Police officers, paramedics and EMTs from the Orlando shooting talk about their experiences that night and how they’re coping, and a variety of trauma specialists discuss the psychological impact that follows traumatic events.
First responders train for mass casualty incidents, but nothing compares to the reality, report Morgan Winsor, Julie Barzilay, and Dr. Amy Glick of ABC News.
Only a small portion of people suffer long-term effects, though those working to save lives, survivors, family members, medical personnel at hospital and friends of victims are all at risk.
Everyone needs to process their experience in their own way and in their own time, as it can take months or years. Communication and social support are hugely important in preventing long-term trauma.
