Page 57 - EMS CPR Manual V1

Incident Stress
A high level of stress is experienced during the response to an incident and particularly where it is the first aiders first opportunity to perform CPR.
Where the casualty cannot be revived, it is important to remember that they were already unconscious and not breathing prior to treatment. It is not the fault of the first responder that they could not be revived.
It is important to effectively manage the bodies response after the incident and to ensure that the stress is effectively processed in a healthy manner.
The following support mechanisms can assist:
• Workplace/private counseling services
• Talking to friends or family
• Calling Life-Line on 1311 14
Other more general ways manage stress and improve your well-being are as follows:
• Accepting that there are events that you cannot control
• Decrease intake of caffeine
• Get regular sleep and rest time
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RECOVERY AND HANDOVER