References
Peer support after exposure to trauma: an evaluation
Abstract
Background:
There are various staff wellbeing programmes used across the emergency services. The British Military recognised single-session models were not effective and developed Trauma Risk Management (TRiM). A number of organisations now use TRiM as a peer-led traumatic stress support system, including the North West Ambulance Service.
Aims:
This evaluation aimed to identify engagement with TRiM across the North West Ambulance Service.
Method:
A combination of quantitative and qualitative data was analysed from those who engaged with TRiM.
Findings:
There was a perception that road traffic collision (RTC) and cardiac arrests would cause acute stress symptoms and require a TRiM assessment; this was validated by the uptake of assessments and referral to professional counselling following such incidents.
Conclusion:
TRiM can provide effective peer-delivered support across a large geographical workforce. Implementation and coordination are key to ensuring success.
Staff working in emergency response services or frontline healthcare and emergency responders (ERs) have to cope with significant challenges while performing their day-to-day duties. This is the case whether they are patient facing or within an emergency operations centre (EOC) providing telephone triage and advice.
Their actions and decisions often have a direct impact on patient care and they will potentially bear witness to these outcomes, positive or negative. They will inevitably be exposed to the varied emotional responses of the patients themselves, as well as of family or friends.
These ER staff face issues daily, which are multifaceted and can raise stress levels. The resultant stress reactions are a normal response and often quickly subside; however, there are occasions where symptoms persist and no longer remain sub-clinical (Khan et al, 2020). This persistent occupational stress can result in a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and, on occasion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (King's College London, 2020).
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