1. Unit 7: Bio-recovery and decontamination
Family, survivors, handling psychological stress

2. Topics for the unit
Intro to microbiology, Diseases and Blood-borne pathogens
PPE, Equipment, supplies and chemicals
Photographing the scene, Clean-up (biohazard and non-biohazard), quantifying clean-up, transportation of waste
Crime scenes, decomposition and odors, legal/documentation
Family, survivors, handling psychological stress

3. Victims, families and survivors
Often, people in situations you encounter have suffered a traumatic, sudden emotionally impacting event
There are several reactions that could occur
Shock – having trouble concentrating or making decisions
Emotional upheaval – feeling loss of control, distrust, loss in others or religion
Physical distress – ulcers, chest discomfort, diarrhea, etc.
Panic – “what am I going to do now?”
Guilt – things left unsaid can lead to guilt; often suicides lead to survivors thinking they could have done more or seen signs
Hostility – frustration to questions unanswered; “why?”
Depression – varies depending on person; support from family, friends, professionals can help limit the extent
Aimlessness – losing interest in life; can impact social or job interactions
Hope – over time, healing begins

4. Victims, families and survivors
Technicians are NOT stress/trauma counselors!
Things to help handle these situations
Tell the survivor how you feel – i.e. you are sorry they have been hurt
Do NOT tell them everything will be OK; you cannot guarantee this
Do NOT attempt to impose your explanation as to why this happened to the survivor
Do NOT tell the survivor you know how they feel
Find community resources that are trained in trauma counseling
You can provide their card/pamphlet to the survivor if you decide to offer help
Suggest help gently; not everyone is open to seeking help

5. Psychological stressors and technicians
Stress is common in everyone’s life
Emergency workers tend to psychologically adapted themselves for higher levels of stress
“Critical Incident Stress” or “Post-Traumatic Stress” can occur when dealing with overwhelming human carnage
Ignoring, hiding, masking, or denying it does not make it go away
It can manifest itself in many ways: unexplained anger, depression, insomnia, nightmares, loss of appetite, withdrawing, physical issues like ulcers and heart attacks, etc.

6. Psychological stressors and technicians
Psychological stressors occur for technicians – for several reasons
Usually clean up occurs in the home of the victim
Unfamiliar surroundings amidst blood and tissue of a once living person
Pictures of the family, vacations, etc. are around the home
Toys and photographs may be spattered with blood and need to be discarded
Stress, anxiety and depression can occur without the technician realizing what is bothering them
It is best to contact a counselor (phone, , or in person) as soon as possible in order to recover in a healthy manner
Typically hrs after encountering the situation

7. Psychological stressors and technicians
Suggestions from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
Get ample rest
Maintain a good diet
Exercise
Take time for leisure activities
Find and talk to supportive peers or family members about the incident
Learn about PTSD
Spend time with family and friends
Your employer should have resources
If not, contact local victim assistance