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Presentation to WA’s Road Transport Industry Safety Forum by Road Trauma Support WA COPING WITH TRAUMA AFTER A ROAD CRASH

Transcript of Road Trauma Support - Transafe WAtransafewa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road... ·...

Page 1: Road Trauma Support - Transafe WAtransafewa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Road... · Presentation to WA’s Road Transport Industry Safety Forum ... • Forced off road by another

Presentation to WA’s Road Transport Industry Safet y Forum

by Road Trauma Support WA

COPING WITH TRAUMA

AFTER A ROAD CRASH

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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

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Approximately

13 peopleare affected by every fatal

crash

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Education & Training

Information

How do we provide support?

Counselling

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Don’t give medical orinsurance advice

Not a crisis service

No referral

required

Free counselling

Confidential

No time limit

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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

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www.rtswa.org.au

08 9420 7262 or 1300 004 814