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Helping disaster survivors, family members, and emergency rescue or disaster relief personnel requires preparation, sensitivity, assertiveness, flexibility, and common sense.
First priority is being a team player. Respect and work within the site chain of command. Pitch in to provide basic care and comfort to survivors and workers.
A close second priority is to make personal contact on a down-to-earth basis with survivors and rescue workers. Listen; don’t give advice. Ask how they (or their children) are doing and what you can do to help. Make them comfortable with food, beverages, practical supplies (like clothes, blankets, sun screen, magazines, writing implements, telephone), and a comfortable place to sit.
A third priority is helping them to defuse by telling their story. Ask, “Have you ever been through anything like this before?” “How’s it going? Are you getting a place to stay and the assistance you need?” “Is there anyone I can help you get in touch with?” “What do you find yourself remembering most since this all happened?” “Where were you when this started?” “What are your top three immediate priorities, for the next few hours or days?”
A fourth priority is a careful assessment of the risk factors and symptomatic problems in order to identify and set up referrals for the persons or families most likely to be in need of further care.
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Adapted
by Dr. Wayne Matthews, Extension Human Development Specialist, North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service, NC State University, from materials prepared
by the Kansas Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas State University. |