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A rescuers age, number of incidents
attended, number of years performing rescue work, exposure to sights and
smells of a major disaster scene and other variables have not shown
any statistically significant relationships between these variables and
development of physical or mental disorder or symptoms of disorders. There
is no glory in what we do! There is only everlasting horror!
It is not unusual, months and even years after a major disaster, for
rescuers to hear screams and panic-stricken outcries from trapped victims
facing their own deaths.
There is, however, the
satisfaction of having been able to make a difference if you have the
"right stuff" and no amount of training in the world will give
you this, you either have it or you do not. Most of our team members
indicate that they are not "afraid of dying" due to any reason
while on scene, while a few have indicated fear of death on scene. A few
team members have reported that their lives had been improved after a
major disaster.
If you want to know, "What
effect will rescue at a major disaster have on my life?"
We cannot say, but we do
know that it will hurt!
Coping
We asked team members where they
received the "most valuable support" while in the city of the
accident. Nearly 70% identified "peers and co-workers," while
other responses included "family and friends" and individual
coping techniques. Seventy-seven percent indicated that the "most
valuable support" upon returning home was "family and
friends," "peers and co-workers."
If you need it you will not
receive mental health support in the area of the disaster. If you have ever
had "alcohol, drug, or emotional problems" be honest with
yourself before you commit to joining the team. Your fellow rescue
team members and the lives of those in peril will be dependant on
you. We thank you for considering ARTI Operational Membership and trust
that you will make the right decision.
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