
When Tragedy Strikes
In the minutes and hours following a traumatic event, survivors often feel hopeless, confused, and in emotional shock. They are confronted with a dire situation for which they are totally unprepared, and they may feel devastated. Law enforcement, firefighters, or paramedics on scene are often busy with their own duties and responsibilities and find it difficult to provide meaningful emotional support to family, friends, and survivors. This can be very frustrating to both emergency services personnel and the others involved in the crisis, and there may be no one else available in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy to guide them through these difficult hours.