Not every
member of the military goes to a Veterans hospital for treatment. In addition, there is proposed legislation
that military men and women may opt to seek medical help in the private sector,
and have costs covered just as it would be at a Veterans hospital or
facility. If this happens, it will
essentially mean that most military and ex-military will seek treatment at
hospitals outside of the V.A. System. If
you have not treated military persons previously, there are some guidelines
that may prove beneficial in their care.
Recognizing
P.T.S.D.
Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder is a condition most often associated with military people,
although it is a condition that can affect anyone. Military persons are often exposed to battles
and situations that are just as the name implies, traumatic. In the private sector, if one traumatic event
happens, it is generally not followed by another and another. And, in most cases, if a traumatic event
occurs, the people affected have immediate support, professional or personal,
to help them through the difficult times. In times of war or action, a soldier may experience one traumatic event
after another. In addition, they won't
have time to process what they have seen and been through. They are expected to continue working as
usual, which may suppress what they experience.
The problem with this is, the mind is a complex organ, and very seldom
does it forget. It may suppress things
for a while when needed, but most often it will at some point return to the
forefront of the thought pattern.
With
P.T.S.D., the sufferers describe the feeling as though when it hits them they
cannot distinguish between the time the traumatic incidents of the past
happened, and the current time. In,
other words, they relive the experience as if they were right back in
action. They may be confused, and unable
to comprehend where they are, to them they are right back at the event. There are many factors that can trigger an
episode of P.T.S.D., and occasionally it's nothing that can even be
determined. For a patient in a hospital
several things can provoke a scenario that could involve a reaction.
- Paging and communication devices can
bring up remembrances of military time.
- The
pain and discomfort of others, such as if someone is calling out in pain from
another room that could certainly be reminiscence of war times.
- The
patient's own pain and discomfort may also bring back feelings of an accident
or situation that was traumatic.
- Loud
noises are going to happen in hospital settings, doors shutting, equipment
rolling down hallways, any of this could bring back memories to induce an episode.
Experts say
the best way to handle situations when a patient is displaying symptoms of
P.T.S.D. Is to speak to them calmly, using their first name only. Ask if they remember where they are. Ask several questions of them, forcing them
to stop their own thought process to listen to you. This can often bring them back into a current
state of mind and thinking. Just
remember to speak in a normal voice and talk calmly. Never yell to gain their attention, it can
only escalate the situation. Always
document any episode so that proper help may be provided to the patient.
Injuries
A patient
that served time in the military during active situations may have sustained
injuries. Shrapnel, or bullets may remain in the patient's body, just another
after effect of their military experience. In many situations, the equipment and expertise was not available where
the patient was immediately treated, so it was left for after care treatment at
a later time. It may seem strange but a
bullet acquired in war, that is being removed may feel as though a part of the
patient's life is being removed. Be
understanding, even though you may not be able to relate, you can assure them
that you know their feelings are real and legitimate. Be sure to remind the patient of mental help
availability to assist the, in regaining a normal life, often difficult after
time served in the military.,
Unusual Symptoms
Always note
unusual rashes, or anything that appears like poison. In some cases, a delayed chemical reaction
could exist, which may require immediate treatment. Protect yourself in this event as well. Some chemical reactions can be transferred, so a mask and
protective gear is a good precaution.
It should
be considered an honor to treat our military heroes; just knowing what to
expect and to look for can help in the healing.
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