Stress

Tips for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers

A Guide for First Responders provides suggestions for those who are at the scene. It outlines facts, indicators of stress, and stress management strategies.

Self-Care Tips for Emergency and Disaster Response Workers

Normal Reactions to a Disaster Event

	No one who responds to a mass casualty event is untouched by it
	Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event
	You may not want to leave the scene until the work is finished
	You will likely try to override stress and fatigue with dedication and commitment
	You may deny the need for rest and recovery time

Signs That You May Need Stress Management Assistance

	Difficulty communicating thoughts
	Difficulty remembering instructions
	Difficulty maintaining balance
	Uncharacteristically argumentative
	Difficulty making decisions
	Limited attention span
	Unnecessary risk-taking
	Tremors/headaches/nausea
	Tunnel vision/muffled hearing
	Colds or flu-like symptoms.
	Disorientation or confusion
	Difficulty concentrating
	Loss of objectivity
	Easily frustrated
	Unable to engage in problem-solving
	Unable to let down when off duty
	Refusal to follow orders
	Refusal to leave the scene
	Increased use of drugs/alcohol
	Unusual clumsiness

Ways to Help Manage Your Stress

	Limit on-duty work hours to no more than 12 hours per day
	Make work rotations from high stress to lower stress functions
	Make work rotations from the scene to routine assignments, as practicable
	Use counseling assistance programs available through your agency
	Drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks like fresh fruit and whole grain breads and other energy foods at the scene
	Take frequent, brief breaks from the scene as practicable.
	Talk about your emotions to process have seen and done
	Stay in touch with your family and friends
	Participate in memorials, rituals, and use of symbols as a way to express feelings
	Pair up with a responder so that you may monitor one another's stress

Espanol

	Guía de Consejería de Crisis para Niños y Familias en Casos de Desastres
	Cómo Ayudar a los niños a vErselas con el miedo y la ansiedad