Deployed Abroad – How to Cope During an International Disaster

Susan Percival, MSW

Advisor – NOCSAR Behavioral Health

            K9 SAR Teams that are deployed to out-of-country disasters are usually stepping into a scene where they have no immediate ties to the community, no local or family support systems and little emotional support.  It’s a very tough job and takes a toll both physically and emotionally.  Because they are literally immersed in the disaster it’s easy to become plugged-in to the feelings of despair and pain that surround them.  Those K9 SAR Teams deployed to Haiti are in such a situation.     

It’s important for those teams to stay aware of their physical & emotional reactions.  Common reactions to being at such a large-scale disaster include shortness of breath, dry mouth, queasiness, increased blood pressure and heart rate and muscle twitches/spasms.  These are NORMAL – they are the body’s response to what it considers a “fight-or-flight” situation.  It’s imperative for anyone experiencing these symptoms to be able to take a mental break, reaffirm their positive intentions for being at the scene and to remain professional.  Try taking a few deep breaths, talk to yourself (inside your head) and remind yourself that you ARE helping those in the disaster and that you will make it through this.  It’s also not uncommon to experience a sense of disbelief or denial, or to feel numb.  Again, this is NORMAL.  It is the mind’s way of coping with an overwhelming situation, and allowing you some time to come to grips with the scale of the disaster.  Try to focus on your mission, one step at a time and one goal at a time.  Accomplishing one task at a time allows you to see that you are making a difference and that you are going to leave that situation in a much better state than when you entered it.

When you arrive at the scene, your adrenaline is pumping and your mind is off and running – it’s easy to want to work and work without stopping.  Don’t do it.  Once your work cycle is ended go to your rest/sleep period and take that break.  This will allow you to be ready for your next work period.  Working beyond your work cycle will only burn you out and render you unable to help any further.  Take breaks, take time away from the scene of the disaster and focus on something that is not disaster-related.  Play with your K9, read a book or do something else enjoyable to keep the stress in check.

You will experience a range of emotions at the disaster site.  Fear, anxiety, anguish and sadness are common feelings. Don’t be afraid to express your emotions - use the time on a break or rest period to talk to your peers or to a member of the clergy. One of the most helpful experiences to come out of the 9/11 tragedy was the role of clergy in supporting the disaster workers.  There are usually clergy on-site at most disasters through the Red Cross or other relief organizations.  It’s hugely beneficial to talk to others and to know that you are not alone in the feelings and emotions that you are having.  Other K9 Teams are experiencing the same things that you are and can be a constant source of support and encouragement. 

Danger signs of distress include a loss of ability to think clearly, trouble concentrating and retaining new information and decreased rationality.  Sense of humor and ability to trust are lost and replaced with irritability and anger.  Those signs signal a need to stop work and return home.  It’s not helpful to anyone to continue to work when you are emotionally on overload.

Please remember that you are giving your best effort, and that alone makes a huge difference.  You’re there to help the living so that they can have closure upon recovery of the deceased.  It’s easy to define your worth by the outcome or the end result; but that is often unrealistic.  It’s important that you realize your efforts are appreciated and respected.