EMC182 Disaster Worker Stress 1/2
To:   Emergency Communications Units - Information Bulletin
To:   Emergency Management Agencies via Internet and Radio
By:   Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) of the
      California Governor's Office of Emergency Services  

EMC182 Disaster Worker Stress 1/2    For release 5/3/99

Articles in the Huntington Beach CERT newsletter has been
quoted several times in the bulletins. Again we find their
November 1995 Newsletter gave an outstanding view of a
sensitive aspect.

"Disaster work can be a unique, rewarding, and demanding
experience. Under disaster conditions people get to know one
another more quickly than under usual social circumstances. In
disasters, workers often becomes like a family--working, eating,
and literally living together. A strong sense of adventure and
excitement exists, as well as a sense of meaning and purpose.
Stress is inherent in disaster work. A certain amount of stress
is present in your everyday life, but can become more intense
during disaster work. Experiencing stress is normal and expected
in these types of situations. You may find answers to the
following questions helpful.

How am I affected by stress during a disaster operation?

 - You may experience physical symptoms associated with stress
such as headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, or have poor
concentration, and feelings of irritability and restlessness.

 - You may become tired of the disaster and prefer not to talk
about it, think about it, or even associate with co-workers in
your time off. You may become tired of continual interaction with
victims and may want to isolate yourself in your time off.  You
may be feeling frustrated or guilty because you miss your family,
but are unavailable to them both  physically and emotionally due
to your psychological involvement in the disaster, fatigue, and
so forth.

 - Phone calls home can be both frustrating and rewarding.  You
may feel your families and friends simply cannot understand the
disaster experience.  If they become irritated, it can compound
the problem, and temporary isolation and estrangement can occur.

Part two, bulletin EMC183, continues next week.

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