Remember to Take Care of Those Who Take Care of Us in a Crisis
Modern Healthcare’s recent cover story “The other victims of gun violence” calls attention to the important fact that, in the wake of disaster, trauma workers often need support and counseling just as much as the patients they treat. In our 35 years of providing employee assistance program services and crisis support in response to hundreds of events, we’ve been called on to fill an increasing need to help first responders, trauma workers and even members of the media cope with the emotional toll of daily exposure to violence and trauma.
It’s refreshing to read that, according to Dr. Leslie Zun, chair of emergency medicine at Chicago’s Mount Sinai Hospital, the culture is changing and it’s no longer considered a sign of weakness to reach out for help. We applaud employers that provide assistance for their employees. We also encourage businesses and employees to remember that the effects of trauma reach beyond direct victims. Resources and support should be available for all those affected, especially the individuals we rely on most to take care of us in a crisis.
Ted Uczen
President and CEO
FEI Behavioral Health
Milwaukee