Stress is our way to respond to pressure, a feeling we have when we think we are in a situation we cannot manage. Stress management is a technique or several techniques which control our level of stress for the purpose of improving it.

Providing care in a high-pressure emergency, can be draining and cause stress especially when children are involved. Even experienced first aiders or personnel attending an emergency can experience unpleasant effects. People react differently and may display a variety of responses to an emergency, often not until after the event or sometime later. Some people handle stresses by talking, some people withdraw, while others prefer to physically work it off. Reactions of colleagues, bystanders and so on; will vary according to the individual and the nature of the incident. A post incident debrief is an important part of the incident management process.

Signs and symptoms of stress: 

• Feelings of guilt, fear, shame
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure.

First aider’s stress management may include: 

• Debriefing post incident for the purposes of individual welfare.
• Evaluation post incident to identify shortfalls in the Emergency Action Plan.
• Access to professional services such as: counsellors, Doctor, a help line, or the clergy. How this is organised will depend on individual organisations and the strategies (if any) that they have in place. Not all cases will require an individual to receive professional assistance and an initial debrief may be sufficient; and
• Peer support.
• Self-Care.
• Self-Care includes maintaining a healthy diet, eating regular meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising. Avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs to either relax or keep going.

Any organisation you work for should have clear policies and procedures in place that ensure a safe, risk-free environment. It is the responsibility of both the employer and employees to ensure all members of staff work together to create a workplace environment that is pro-active and strives to recognise potential causes of stress so immediate action can be taken to reduce or eliminate stress and harm.

Review of first aid response:

During a workplace review following a CPR incident, several key aspects are typically covered to evaluate the response and ensure improvements for future incidents. Here’s a breakdown of what might be covered:

1. Response Time: The review would likely assess how quickly CPR was initiated after the incident occurred. Prompt response is crucial in improving the chances of survival.
2. CPR Technique: The quality of CPR performed, including factors such as compression depth, rate, and hand placement, would be evaluated. Proper technique ensures the effectiveness of the lifesaving intervention.
3. Communication: Communication among team members during the incident, including how the emergency was reported, instructions given to responders, and coordination of efforts, would be examined.
4. Equipment availability: Availability and accessibility of necessary equipment, such as AEDs, oxygen masks, and first aid supplies, would be assessed. Ensuring that these resources are readily available can enhance response efficiency.
5. Training and preparedness: The review would likely consider the level of training and preparedness of staff members involved in the incident. It may involve assessing whether staff had appropriate CPR and first aid training, as well as whether regular drills and simulations are conducted to maintain readiness.
6. Adherence to protocols: Evaluation of adherence to established protocols and procedures for responding to medical emergencies would be important. This includes following guidelines for assessing the scene, checking for responsiveness, calling for help, and initiating CPR.
7. Documentation: The completeness and accuracy of documentation related to the incident, including incident reports, medical records, and any other relevant paperwork, would be reviewed for compliance and thoroughness.
8. Post-Incident Support: Any support provided to individuals involved in the incident, such as counselling or debriefing sessions, would be assessed for adequacy and effectiveness in addressing emotional and psychological needs.
9. Follow-Up Actions: Identification of any corrective actions or recommendations for improvement based on the review findings. This may include additional training, updating protocols, acquiring new equipment, or implementing changes to workplace safety policies.

By thoroughly reviewing these aspects, organizations can identify strengths and areas for improvement in their emergency response procedures, ultimately enhancing workplace safety and the ability to effectively manage future incidents.

Support available for rescuers:

• Lifeline– 13 11 14
• Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment in your state/territory
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
• Black Dog Institute

Seek support services through organisational Employee Assistance Programs (EPA)