COUNSELLING FOR AMBULANCE STAFF
Counselling for ambulance staff trauma offered
ALL of Ulster's ambulance workers are to be offered counselling as a result of the bomb, it emerged last night.
And many staff at the seven hospitals where the injured were treated will also, be asked if they want help.
Jim Christie from the NI Ambulance Service, said: "This is the biggest trauma incident we have ever addressed.
The staff did a fantastic job."
"Arrangements are in place for possible problems staff will face as a result of the blast."
Marion Gibson, manager of the staff care service and crisis support team at the Eastern Health Board, will be available to all ambulance personnel in the next few days.
"At the moment they are running on adrenalin as they work,' she said.
"There will be a time when they stop and think back - that's when it will hit physically and emotionally.
"We will then be there for support."
Ms Gibson, who has worked with medical staff involved in the Shankill bombing and the Dunblane massacre in Scotland, added that initially start would feel shock and unreality.
"Then the reality sinks in that it is not a dream but a nightmare," she said.
"Then there's the realisation that life will never be the same."
After support care, the next stage is counselling which will be available if needed.
Elizabeth Pearce, from CRUSE which provides a bereavement service, said: "There will be a very long and painful path for those who are embarking on it now. Dreams will be shattered."
ALL of Ulster's ambulance workers are to be offered counselling as a result of the bomb, it emerged last night.
And many staff at the seven hospitals where the injured were treated will also, be asked if they want help.
Jim Christie from the NI Ambulance Service, said: "This is the biggest trauma incident we have ever addressed.
The staff did a fantastic job."
"Arrangements are in place for possible problems staff will face as a result of the blast."
Marion Gibson, manager of the staff care service and crisis support team at the Eastern Health Board, will be available to all ambulance personnel in the next few days.
"At the moment they are running on adrenalin as they work,' she said.
"There will be a time when they stop and think back - that's when it will hit physically and emotionally.
"We will then be there for support."
Ms Gibson, who has worked with medical staff involved in the Shankill bombing and the Dunblane massacre in Scotland, added that initially start would feel shock and unreality.
"Then the reality sinks in that it is not a dream but a nightmare," she said.
"Then there's the realisation that life will never be the same."
After support care, the next stage is counselling which will be available if needed.
Elizabeth Pearce, from CRUSE which provides a bereavement service, said: "There will be a very long and painful path for those who are embarking on it now. Dreams will be shattered."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0011
Published Date: 17-Aug-98
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