Management of the traumatised patient

I have tried to present a range of suggestions for the therapeutic management of traumatised victims and have used illustrations based on my work with victims of armed robbery. In general, however, I believe that the principles outlined are applicable to a wide range of trauma and I have found these ideas valuable in dealing with victims of crime in general, in counselling staff involved in industrial accidents and in providing support to those involved in natural or man made disasters. The key principles include: a prompt and timely intervention; the use of properly trained professional staff to provide a structured debriefing programme that focuses on the opportunity to discuss feelings; providing information and education about normal responses to trauma and helping to normalise the individual's response to the situation. Re-establishing a normal lifestyle as soon as possible has been shown to be critical to speedy recovery; as has professional support, continuing follow up and reassurance that most victims recover without going on to develop a post traumatic stress disorder. An integrated team approach to the management of traumatised victims is critical and there must be communication between the general practitioner, any counsellors involved in providing services to the traumatised person and, of course, the victim. The general practitioner is often the primary link in the management chain and the positive relationship that many people have with their general practitioner can be used to great effect in helping to manage a recovery from crisis.