While the issue of PTSD is both political and philosophical in many circles the reality is when people are exposed to significant events there is stress, and there are varied reactions to this stress.  ARES leaders need to make sure there are debriefings and other events in their operational plans so their folks can deal with post event issues. Emergency crews have steps in place to handle this matter, why can’t we?.

These portions of your plan need to be practiced after every call out or exercise, not just on major events. It takes time for people to realize these help, it takes time for people to be comfortable in debriefings, and it takes time for people to realize it really could happen to them.   The url below will take you to a report on the Napa Valley earthquake.

http://www.emergencymgmt.com/disaster/One-Quarter-People-Experienced-California-Quake-Risk-PTSD.html