Road Trauma Support - Transafe WAtransafewa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road... ·...
Transcript of Road Trauma Support - Transafe WAtransafewa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road... ·...
Presentation to WA’s Road Transport Industry Safet y Forum
by Road Trauma Support WA
COPING WITH TRAUMA
AFTER A ROAD CRASH
Road Trauma Statistics WA
2016
• 194 people killed (119 regional vs 75 metro)
• 235 seriously (critically) injured
• Hundreds more involved in crashes
Source: Road Safety Commission. 2016 Summary of Preliminary Fatal and Critical
Injuries n West ern Australian Roads
Approximately
13 peopleare affected by every fatal
crash
Who is affected by road trauma?
1. Drivers (causing and impacted)
2. Passengers
3. First on scene/assisting
4. Witnesses
5. Emergency Services
6. Tow truck drivers
7. Family, friends, work-mates, wider community
Case study
Background:
• “Joseph” - experienced truck driver
• Forced off road by another truck during road rage incident 12 months earlier
• Suffered multiple injuries
• Surgery and time off work
• Offered anti-depressants but no counselling
Case study
Presenting Issues:
• Couldn’t stop thinking about crash
• Very anxious when driving
• Stopped going out/socializing
• Angry, guilty, depressed, drinking more
• Felt hopeless and stuck in a nightmare
• Suicidal thoughts
Common reactions after trauma
• Re-living the crash – memories, feelings, nightmares
• Physical & emotional reactions e.g., shock, anger, crying, fear, shaking, heart rate
• Trying to avoid the trauma & feelings –drinking, not talking about it, avoiding reminders
What helps after trauma
• Spend time with people who care about you
• Recognise that it’s normal to react
• Permission & time to adjust
• Look after yourself – rest, eat, exercise
• Plan relaxing & meaningful activities
• Talk about your reactions
What helps after trauma
• Get back to normal routine
• Reduce stimulants e.g., coffee
• Don’t use alcohol/drugs to cope
• Graduated or flexible return to work
• Supportive employer
• Accept that your world has changed
• SEEK HELP if needed
Education & Training
Information
How do we provide support?
Counselling
Don’t give medical orinsurance advice
Not a crisis service
No referral
required
Free counselling
Confidential
No time limit
What happened to Joseph?
• Trauma counselling reduced trauma and depression
• No more nightmares
• Less guilt, more understanding and greater confidence to make choices
• Spent more time doing things that made him happy
• Returned to work but ultimately opted for a sea change
www.rtswa.org.au
08 9420 7262 or 1300 004 814