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[Psychological and psychiatric services provided to soldiers in the burial operation (Zaire, July-August 1994)]
1Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Robert-Picqué, Bordeaux Armées.
Insights
French soldiers faced immense psychological challenges burying cholera victims during the Rwanda crisis. Military support and group solidarity helped most soldiers complete their difficult mission despite mental health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Military psychiatry
- Disaster mental health
- Epidemic response
Background:
- In July 1994, a cholera epidemic devastated Rwandan refugees in Goma, Zaire.
- French soldiers were tasked with burying 40,000 cadavers to control the epidemic.
- A military psychiatrist was deployed to support soldiers involved in these operations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the psychological support provided to soldiers during a mass burial operation.
- To analyze the mental health impact on soldiers exposed to extreme conditions.
- To identify factors contributing to mission completion despite psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- A military psychiatrist provided mental health actions and psychological support.
- Observation of soldiers' psychological responses and sanitary evacuations.
- Assessment of group solidarity and hierarchical structure's role.
Main Results:
- Despite psychological difficulties, most soldiers completed the mission.
- A small percentage (25%) of soldiers required discreet support for anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
- Group solidarity and military hierarchy were crucial for mission completion.
Conclusions:
- Military mental health support is vital in disaster and epidemic scenarios.
- Group cohesion and command structure can mitigate psychological impact on soldiers.
- Effective support strategies are necessary for personnel managing mass casualty events.
Abstract:
In July 1994, a small contingent of the French army had the physically and psychologically difficult task of burying 40,000 cadavers in Goma (Zaire). This was the only way to eradicate a cholera epidemic which decimated 1,200,000 Rwanda refugees fleeing from the war. The mission of the military psychiatrist posted in Goma consisted of promoting mental health actions and providing psychological support for the soldiers most "exposed" to the burial operations. He was unable to avoid a dozen sanitary evacuations (out of 200 soldiers), some of which were abusive, but discreetly helped the small proportion (25%) of soldiers determined to complete their mission despite the development of symptoms of anxiety, depression and personality disorders. The others assumed their task with no apparent difficulties. The solidarity of the military group (especially in the form of small units) and the hierarchical structure of the army enabled each member of the contingent to complete this dreadful task.