Incident stress

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Incident Stress is a condition caused by acute stress which overwhelms a staff person trained to deal with critical incidents such as within the line of duty for first responders, EMTs, and other similar personnel. If not recognized and treated at onset, incident stress can lead to more serious effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

[edit] Signs and symptoms

• Confusion
• Lower Attention Span
• Poor Concentraion
• Denial
• Guilt
• Depression
• Anger
• Change in interactions with others
• Increased or decreased eating
• Uncharacteristic, excessive humor or silence
• Unusual behavior

People exhibiting signs of Incident Stress require professional help to avoid the more serious condition of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

[edit] See also

• Critical Incident Stress Management
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

[edit] References

• First Aid/CPR/AED for the Workplace. StayWell: Yardley, PA. 2006, p. 63.