Jobs Simply

Flashbacks to an accident?

I'm a volunteer in my town's rescue service, have attended a fair share of mishaps, from flood/storm damage incidents to fires, searches, road accidents and miscellaneous rescue incidents. I love my job and it's generally positive. But about 11 months ago, I went to one I won't ever forget - what started as a nondescript call from local police for "general assistance" at the railway lines at about 8pm. Upon arrival we were quietly informed the truth - that to put the incident diplomatically, it involved a pedestrian and a train and obvious outcomes (he had jumped in front of it). To spare the detail, it was the most horrific thing I've ever seen and though I won't forget it, I dealt with it. However, it's nearly a year later, I hadn't thought of it for ages and all of a sudden I had a vivid dream just now (it's 12:30 am where I am) that I was back there...reliving it all. How can I deal with these flashbacks? They're so strong and make me feel sick all over again...

Public Comments

1. Welcome to life. I wish I could forget some pretty nasty events, too.
2. I think for us medical people, we all have a story - one that sticks in our minds that we will never forget. If this is one that constantly haunts you and prevents you from doing your job and living your life, it could be PTSD. However, you say this is the first dream you have and you are just now becoming sick all over again. I myself could not work where you are - I have a huge respect for those being 'first on the scene'. God bless you. If you are a spiritual person, just pray for those involved and pray that God helps you to deal with it. Know that the person who jumped in front of the train was obviously not in their right mind. I also believe that the very first horrific thing you see will ALWAYS stick out in your mind - my first one does. Good luck to you. I believe after time, you sort of become 'numb' to things like that (for lack of better words).
3. First I want to say I'm sorry for what you are going through. Next you need to acknowledge what happend (which is what you are doing by asking the quistion) Step number 2 talk about it with some one it does help. I know what you are going through because I have PTSD from my time in the military. I hope this helps you in some way.
4. The incident obviously was a real shock to your system. Even though you think you've dealt with it, it is not completely dealt with. Think about doing a few sessions of therapy. You will probably always remember the incident though with therapy you will have worked out your feelings about it and it won't affect you so much.