After participating in a resuscitation event where a pediatric patient did not survive and feeling very stressed with difficulty in daily activities, the recommended action to help cope with the stress includes several important steps:
- Consider referral to a qualified mental health professional : Seeking professional help is a proactive way to manage stress and trauma. A mental health professional can provide coping strategies and therapeutic interventions to help process the event and emotions effectively
- Debrief with co-workers : Sharing experiences and feelings with colleagues involved in the event can provide mutual support and help identify improvements for future resuscitations, which can be therapeutic
- Speak to your supervisor about your feelings : Communicating with your supervisor can help you access workplace support or resources to better manage your stress
- Take some time off if needed : Allowing yourself time away from work can provide emotional recovery and alleviate acute stress
Combining these approaches is often the best course of action to address the psychological impact of such traumatic events. Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term psychological effects and maintain mental health and professional performance
