OzSTOC
General Category => Members Health & Wellbeing => Topic started by: Shillas on October 01, 2018, 09:22:58 PM
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So Kev posted about a crash being responded to today.
This hasn’t been far below the surface recently, but this with Bodo’s “smidsy “ video it did bring recent memories for me to the fore.
My bad run of trips to Victoria with crashes has continued with our recent trip back from Mildura 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately that crash was a head on fatal, where I was the person who tried to ease her passing. I’ve been in constant contact with SAPOL major crash since on positive news on other the critical casualty, her husband. The other car in the head on had one serious casualty & the driver was only minor physical injuries. But as he told us, he’s got to live with it for the rest of his life.
However, we’re both doing ok & know that we have professional support when we need it.
As my boss said, stay on SA 😁
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I've only ever attended one fatal, after the accident and by which time both persons were already decreased. It was two gentlemen in a single vehicle Semi-trailer rollover. The Driver as 76 and his mate at 78.
This was decades ago, before counseling was available, and I'm certain it would have been a big hello. I had nightmares for months.
I don't know how the emergency services crews handle so many and stay sane. I have nothing but respect for them.
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Done a number of crashes in my time & have trained & responded as a responder with emergency services, Plus experience through my ex-cop father. My main concern has been how Sandra deals, as well as dealing with it from individuals point of view as well.
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Many would have driven straight past, so goodonya for stopping to offer comfort to a dying woman. Many of who have worked in emergency services have ghosts lurking in the dark places of our minds from things we have seen and done. I have always found strength from my faith, and support from colleagues who have also walked that same challenging path.
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Glad your Ok Shillas :thumb Always here for a chat if needed :wink1
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Thanks for the support.
I know, through my father, the damage that can be done by any (if not repeated) exposure to this sort of event if not dealt with.
As my dad was an old school copper, there was no debriefing, no counseling. End of shift drinks, lots of missed family events and what is now recognised as PTSD.
While it wouldn't have been of any use, upgraded my first aid kits on bike and in car. We traded in my old car with Sandra's new car the week before, unfortunately I forgot to grab out my well designed kit so basically had nothing in the car at the time. And the first CFS responder (in his work car) just wandered around carrying a fire extinguisher despite my repeated requests for him to grab his first aid kit.
I thought I'd got the majority of the ghosts out on the Meningie RTE, but they resurfaced the night after and then on the way to work was confronted with a risky overtake heading straight for me. After the head on previously, I was shot for the rest of the day. But some of my amazing work colleagues who I trusted in telling opened up having had similar experiences. Just goes to show that so many of us have trauma in our lives that we keep to ourselves (as i have with other matters), but if we share, then so many others can empathise due to a shared experience.
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Talking (writing) is one of the best cures.
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And through my nursing and paramedic friends and family, a sense of humor seems to help.
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And through my nursing and paramedic friends and family, a sense of humor seems to help.
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That I have found a sense of humor is a brilliant way to deal with it in my opinion :thumbsup
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Yep, humor definitely helps.
Unfortunately, have just learnt that this is now a double fatality, with the husband, Mike having died on Monday almost a month after the crash.
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Bugger.
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R.I.P😢