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When leading expeditions or working in remote areas on research projects it has often struck me how often we are left dealing with psychological issues and conditions in the field. At the same time we often offer little help or support to leaders who may have to manage these conditions or even be involved in managing groups of people facing traumatic situations on expedition.
I have attended a number of courses on this topic run by Interhealth, who have developed some training courses for leaders and managers of expeditions, GAP years and development work. Most recently I attended a course on Psychological First Aid which provided some very valuable information and ideas.
Expeditioners, development and field workers often rightly spend a great deal of time preparing and planning to deal with emergencies - dedicating time to evacuation plans, dealing with physical injuries and providing first aid and medical provision. However we often give only brief thought to the psychological support we may be able to provide at the time, making brief mention of providing a safe place for the group and the chance for people to talk about what has happened… but exactly how and where this is done can make a huge difference to those involved in just the same way as getting the physical first aid right can be critical to the casualty's on-going health.
The course looked at questions of what makes people feel safe, about how we can look to provide these conditions and also how traumatic events can strip people of these securities. We looked at the effects of trauma on the brain and how this can break down people's normal reactions and coping mechanisms. Perhaps most importantly we looked at basic practical suggestions for what we can do at the time in the field… the reassuring message was don't try to do too much. Don't feel as though you have to dive straight in and provide counselling - and if you do end up talking to people - avoid the desire and tendency to dive straight to trying to 'solve the problem'. Often all people need is a safe place and the chance to talk if they want to. We practised some simple counselling techniques and looked at phrases to use, and avoid. Overall it was invaluable to spend a day discussing these issues, practising some simple techniques and reviewing what we can do in this very important area.
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