Self Awareness In Health Care

As humans, we are aware of the fact that we will eventually die. In some way, we are afraid of death (Robbins, 2012). However, the more experiences we have related to death, the more we become desensitized to it (Robbins, 2012). Because of this desensitization process, emergency medical service workers are able to respond to many traumatic incidents without negative repercussions. This is not to say that medical calls will not impact the responder. In fact, responders often encounter countertransference from being empathetic (Rothchild & Rand, 2006). Empathy is an important way for responders to relate to and treat a patient, but it can also cause changes in the responder’s unconscious emotions and health (Figley, 1995). In EMS, stress

Age can be a major factor. Young adults and late adolescents are still trying to figure out their identity and role in society and are therefore more vulnerable to PTSD (Rudofossi, 2007). The responder’s personal life stress as well as their personality, behaviors, and coping strategies for stress and anxiety will influence how they respond to an incident (Stocker, 2010). Previous traumas (especially if unresolved) or a buildup of traumatic calls make emergency responders more susceptible to PTSD. One of the most important factors that will determine how one will respond to an incident is their social environment and support system directly after the

Mental wounds can be healed with the right help and treatment (Shapiro & Forrest, 1997). It is important to know how to manage stress and cope with traumatic experiences. We need to learn skills to help us become more resilient and learn about stressful incidents before they happen. It is vital that we see early identification, intervention, and treatment for PTSD and other stress reactions (Erich, 2014). PTSD will not get better over time and the longer you wait, the harder it will be to reverse its effects (Mitchell & Bray, 1990). It is important for responders to have a good support system and to talk to a coworker, friend, or therapist after a traumatic incident. It is also important to set goals and maintain healthy habits such as sleep, exercise, and a healthy