Neighborhood fireworks can disturb Iraq and Afghanistan veterans

Neighborhood fireworks can disturb Iraq, Afghanistan veterans
Loud random explosions and flashes can trigger adrenalin rushes and fear in those with PTSD
The Salt Lake Tribune
By Peg Mcentee
Jul 23 2013

For Utah veterans who’ve served in combat zones, the combined 14 days of legal and widespread use of fireworks around July 4 and July 24 each year can be a time of fear and flight.

All that light and noise tends to be particularly troublesome for veterans with post traumatic stress disorder, said Steven Allen, a psychologist who coordinates the PTSD clinic at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System.

"For civilians, there are different associations with fireworks than for veterans, especially those who’ve been in combat," Allen said Monday.

Such veterans can deal with staged shows, like those in city parks and stadiums. But the booms and bangs and flashing light on neighborhood streets, parking lots and fields are another matter, he said.
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