Thursday, January 28, 2010

Guidance for Relief Workers and Others Traveling to Haiti for Earthquake Response

Psychological/Emotional Difficulties

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/715475_5

As a first responder or relief worker, you may encounter extremely stressful situations, such as witnessing a tremendous loss of life, serious injuries, missing and separated families, and destruction of whole areas. It is important to recognize that these experiences may cause you psychological or emotional difficulties.

Normal Reactions to a Disaster Event

Profound sadness, grief, and anger are common.
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.
Ways to Help Manage Your Stress
Limit on-duty work time to no more than 12 hours per day.
Rotate work assignments between high stress and lower stress functions.
Drink plenty of water and eat healthy snacks and other energy foods.
Take frequent, brief breaks from the scene when you are able.
Keep an object of comfort with you such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material.
Stay in touch with family and friends.
Pair up with another responder so that you can monitor one another's stress.
To learn about mental health resources, see:

Mental Health in Aid Workers Fact Sheet

Self-Care Tips for Stress
Download Podcasts on stress management for first responders: Stress Management for Emergency Responders - What Responders Can Do
NIOSH: Traumatic Incident Stress: Information for Emergency Response Workers
NIOSH: Estrés por sucesos traumáticos: Información para el personal de Emergencia
After You Come Home
If you are not feeling well, you should see your doctor and mention that you have recently returned from response and relief work in Haiti. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

Symptoms of malaria can develop up to one year after travel, so be alert for fever or flu-like symptoms.

Approximately one-third of aid workers report depression shortly after returning home, and more than half of returned aid workers have reported feeling predominantly negative emotions on returning home, even though many reported that their time overseas was positive and fulfilling. You might want to see a professional counselor to help you adjust back into your home environment.

More Information

Haiti destination page on the Travelers' Health website
Haiti country specific information from the US Department of State
United Nations Relief Web
Page last reviewed: January 16, 2010
Page last updated: January 16, 2010
Page created: January 14, 2010
Division of Global Migration and Quarantine National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348, 24 Hours/Every Day - cdcinfo@cdc.gov

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