EMT and PTSD

EMT Sounds Alarm About PTSD
Written for the Web by CBS4 Special Projects Producer Libby Smith Reporting
Dr. Dave Hnida AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)



Lights and sirens are a sure sign that tragedy has struck. In many cases it's the first responders that get the worst shock.

"If you come upon a scene where people's bodies are maimed, you feel a sense of tremendous horror; and often times helplessness, especially if there is a family member standing by begging you to save their loved one," said Dr. Neil Weiner, Director of Clinical Services at the Depression Center at the University of Colorado Denver.

Michael Ferrara is a first responder in the mountains. During his 28-year career he's seen a lot of horror and he says it's taken a heavy toll.

"I had what I was calling slide shows in my head. Hundreds and hundreds of slides that would run in my head of pictures of horrible, horrible things," Ferrara told CBS4.

"Because these images of the trauma are imprinted so much on their minds, they develop flash backs, intrusive recollections and nightmares that really keep the trauma alive," Weiner added.

For Ferrara the trauma lived for years. He says PTSD became debilitating.
read more here
http://cbs4denver.com/health/emergency.workers.PTSD.2.1747845.html