What is the 2nd Trauma?
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| This is the emotional trauma/upheaval
of the family when a loved one
suffers a life-threatening injury or sudden illness. The first trauma
is to the patient—the second trauma is to
the family of the adult
or pediatric patient. |
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Why the family members need help in coping
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| The
family members are often completely caught off guard and shocked
when a loved one suffers a traumatic event. Many are overwhelmed with
their
heartbreaking emotions, fears and grief reactions. When family
members get the communications help they need during the traumatic
event they
cope better with their angry and panicky reactions, are more cooperative
with staff, relate better to the patient, and feel more “normal” about
their strong negative feelings—reactions that often frighten
them. |
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Why does ATS have a program to help staff relate to the stressed family members?
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| Most
medical/nursing professionals are excellent in dealing with the medical
aspects of care but less educated in understanding and responding to
the needs of highly stressed family members when traumatic injuries
or death occurs. Budget cuts have reduced/eliminated social work and
chaplain support programs in many hospitals. |
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What is the ATS 2nd Trauma Program?
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ATS offers an impressive
array of low-cost services designed to help emergency caregivers relate
effectively to highly stressed/difficult family members. Here are some
of the programs currently available to trauma professionals/hospitals
(ATS institutional member trauma centers receive discounts on 2nd Trauma
workshops/consulting services).
| 1. |
Lectures/workshops
to help staff understand/relate to the stressed family. These educational
efforts range between 2-8 hours in length. |
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| 2. |
Consulting
services designed to help emergency caregivers to relate effectively
to the families. |
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| 3. |
Consulting
services on helping staff to cope with the acute and chronic stresses
of trauma work. |
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Who are faculty members in the 2nd Trauma program?
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Emergency
room physicians, medical school faculty, intensive care physicians,
trauma surgeons, nurses, social workers, family members, and chaplains
are part of the ATS 2nd Trauma faculty. 2nd Trauma workshops/lectures
have been conducted in 8 states in the past 3 years. For information
about the 2nd Trauma program one can
contact the national office, Phone: (800) 556-7890.
E-mail: info@amtrauma.org
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