In this book, Erik De Soir describes a world that most of us do not want to know or experience; A world with war. This world is about traumas and emotionally shocking events. The author writes in a very open, readable, and manageable way about his years of experience dealing with traumas.
The book is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Traumatic Experiences;
- Part 2: Processing Traumatic Experiences: A Puzzle of a Thousand Pieces;
- Part 3: Voicing Traumatic Experiences.
There are several rules of thumb that have stayed with me:
Always be honest with a victim seeking information, be brief (but not blunt), and don’t concoct your own story. Remember this phrase:
“If you are unable to continue providing assistance for as long as needed, do not start; leave it to someone else.”
Key takeaways that have stayed with me:
- The most important help comes from caregivers: the rescuer’s colleagues, peers, family, and close friends, who will always be there.
- Always verify your information before sharing it with a victim, and avoid giving false hope. Providing accurate and reliable information is crucial to support their recovery and maintain their trust.
- After the trauma, you need to map out the situation like a gigantic puzzle. Carefully consider each piece of information and every step to ensure a comprehensive understanding and effective response to the victim’s needs.
- Offer immediate help when the trauma occurs. Quick and appropriate intervention significantly impacts the victim’s recovery and overall well-being.
- Allow feelings. Allow a hug. The victim will make it clear when it’s enough. Emotional support and physical comfort can be incredibly beneficial, but always respect the victim’s boundaries and cues.
- Beware of secondary victimization. Before you know it, extra damage is done. Insensitive handling, repeated questioning, or lack of support can exacerbate the victim’s trauma.
- Leaders must take responsibility by showing during a debriefing that it’s okay to express emotions. Creating a safe and open environment for emotional expression helps everyone involved process the trauma and support each other.
Moreover, the author warns of the danger of reading this book: acquiring knowledge of its contents does not equate to expertise in the subject matter. While the information provided is valuable, seek professional training and experience to handle trauma situations effectively.