Phoenix Fire training to avoid stressing veterans in emergency sittations
Nov 8, 2013, 4:07 PM
PHOENIX — Phoenix firefighters are undergoing several hours of training to learn new techniques when responding to a crisis situation involving veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“We are training firefighters to more adequately deal with some of our vets that are having spiritual, mental or physical challenges as they return from wartime activity,” said Phoenix Fire Deputy Chief Chris Ketterer. “How we typically march into a location to stabilize the situation, sometimes for these individuals that are struggling emotionally, might not be the best practice.”
While veterans might often feel closer to first responders than any other segment of society, those with PTSD might feel overwhelmed if they are crowded by EMTs or asked too many questions.
The training focuses on how to identify the level of stress of a patient and to modify behavior in order to render aid and providing resources for follow-up care.