Surviving ejection from military aircraft: Psychological reactions modifying factors and intervention

Surviving ejection from a military aircraft is a stressful experience. A retrospective study of 175 Royal Air Force ejectees showed that 40 per cent had significant adverse emotional reactions and that the rate of return to operational flying was significantly reduced in this group. Composite vignettes of a satisfactory and a poor outcome are presented, and the role of the psychotherapist in alleviating the commonly encountered emotional reactions is described. Confidential counselling is most helpful. Attention must be paid to the nature, personal meaning and social context of the ejection experience.