I’ve seen something traumatic in my search and rescue role

Sadly, in search and rescue, you’re much more likely to experience something traumatic in your role than the general population. While you might feel like you’re able to cope in the moment, these situations can have a long-lasting effect on your mental wellbeing. Healthy processing of such incidents is essential to reset your stress response, to file events as past, and to move on to the next job.

“After a few days, I realised that this event had affected me.”

Tim Tittensor Police officer working in Essex

There are things you can do in the first 24 hours, the next 48, and beyond, to help you recognise the impact of what happened to you and try to ensure the experience does not cause you long-term trauma.

You might also find it useful to talk to someone who wasn’t involved in the situation. They might be able to talk you through what happened, and help you understand it (and your feelings about it) better. There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it.

You’ll find some starting points below.

Coping with what you’ve experienced during coronavirus: search and rescue

This guide from Mind is designed help you make sense of the things you’ve seen and experienced as an emergency responder in the search and rescue service during coronavirus.

It explores some the feelings you may be going through, experiences other responders have shared, tools and strategies to cope with difficult feelings and experiences, and how to deal with any long-lasting impacts to your working and personal life.

It’s available in both English and Welsh.

20 min read
UK-wide

Understanding my response to trauma and stress: volunteer responders

Your role might well involve regular and frequent exposure to the kinds of events and situations that most people never encounter.

This page explains what happens to us – biologically, psychologically and socially – when we’re exposed to potentially traumatic events. It includes a video example from a first responder who attended a fatal avalanche.

It was produced for volunteer responders in Scotland, but the information is applicable to any emergency personnel.

10 min read
Scotland

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem you may develop after traumatic events. You’re not alone. These pages explain causes, symptoms and self-care tips.

10 min read
UK-wide

How to manage stress and anxiety: Search and rescue

Almost 9 in 10 search and rescue staff and volunteers have experienced stress and poor mental health. This booklet has practical tips and suggestions to help.

15 min read
UK-wide

Shout: text support for emergency responders

Shout is the UK’s free 24/7 crisis text line.

They provide a dedicated support service to help emergency services staff look after their own mental health and wellbeing as they work to protect the country in situations that can often be traumatic.

Simply text BLUELIGHT to 85258 to talk by text with one of their trained crisis volunteers.

UK-wide

Seeking help