2nd
Trauma Projects
The ATS 2nd Trauma Programs supports a variety of on-going projects to help
trauma professionals assist the families of trauma victims. These projects
include workshops,research, and provision of personal support through the ATS.
How
can ATS members get assistance from the 2nd Trauma program?
- Participate in 2nd trauma workshops that help professionals to develop
skills in communicating with the family of the trauma patient (Watch
for workshop announcements).
- Participate in train-the-trainer workshops to help managers/supervisors/leaders
develop and deepen their interpersonal skills of trauma professionals.
- Participate in future 2nd Trauma research about the needs of patients,
families and professionals.
- By calling ATS to discuss your own professional interests, needs,
and suggestions in dealing with family and team issues.
- By keeping abreast of trends, practices, legislation, and research
programs by reading the Traumagram and other ATS publications.
- Hear from other trauma professionals whose questions and concerns
may appear in an interactive 2nd Trauma Bulletin Board to be developed
in the near future.
What the 2nd Trauma program can do for critical
care professionals:
- Help in understanding and responding to the needs of the family of
the trauma patient.
- Help family members to feel an immediate bonding with trauma professionals.
- Help professionals to understand their own difficulties in family
communication.
- Help family members to feel secure in the trauma center without promising
a cure.
- Help pre-hospital and hospital trauma teams to work as a team with
the trauma family.
- Help professionals to deal with the angry, helpless, frantic and
controlling family member.
- Help the individual and the team to provide sensitive care to the
family when death occurs.
- Help individuals prepare for and cope with traumatic events.
- Help trauma managers and supervisors to provide a supportive atmosphere
for staff.
- Listen and respond to the changing needs of trauma professionals.
2nd Trauma Assumptions About Reality in Trauma Work
- Families that receive good support during traumas are more trusting
of staff and cope more readily with their anxieties, grief, and bereavement.
- Most families judge the quality of care to the patient by the quality
of support and communication they themselves receive.
- It does not take a psychotherapist to provide the family with excellent
support.
- Burnout, turnover, conflicts, and mental health problems can be greatly
reduced in critical care settings if staff has good stress management
programs easily accessible to them.
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