The impact of providing help: Emergency workers and cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts

Abstract Although anecdotes suggest that emergency medical technicians often themselves have to cope with severe trauma as a result of their work, almost all empirical work has been concerned with the aftermath of disaster. Fourteen volunteer ambulance attendants were asked about resuscitation attempts in which they had been involved. It was found that many of these evidenced a persistent psychological aftermath. Some of these individuals experienced vivid, involuntary, and uncontrollable thoughts, feelings, and/or mental images concerning their attempt. Perceived control and coping responses were examined, and found to be related to the impact of the resuscitation attempt upon the ambulance personnel. Data from this preliminary investigation indicate the need for further work in the area, and with related populations, such as nonprofessionals who attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation.