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Markedly diminished interest in one or more significant activities
Feeling of detachment or estrangement from others
Constricted affect
4. Theindividual usuallyhastwoormoreofthefollowingsymptomsthatwerenotpresent
before the event:
Hyperalertness or exaggerated “startle” response
Sleep disturbances
Guilt about surviving when others have not, or about the behavior required for sur-
vival
Memory impairment or difficulty concentrating
Avoidance of activities that arouse recollections of the traumatic event
Intensification of symptoms by exposure to events that symbolize or resemble the
traumatic event
Diagnostic studies suggest that with sufficient unrelieved stress, anyone would develop
PTSD. Vietnam veterans who developed this disorder shared five characteristics that cor-
relate with experiences of wilderness rescuers (
Table 4-1
).
Treating PTSD is the province of professional therapists. However, the earlier the dis-
order is recognized, the faster and more successful is the outcome. Recognizing stressful
events, taking measures to relieve the emotional pressures they engender, and recognizing
the symptoms of emotional disorders are certainly within the abilities of rescuers and their
friends and should be the responsibility of their leaders.
Table 4-1
Stress Sources for Vietnam Veterans and Wilderness Rescuers
VIETNAM VETERANS
WILDERNESS RESCUERS
A positive attitude toward the war before enga-
ging in combat
Unrealistic expectations
A high level of exposure to hazardous terrain or
weather, and to massive trauma
A high level of combat exposure
Immediate separation from the military service
upon returning to the United States
Infrequent opportunities to share emotional ex-
periences; “suffering in silence”
A negative perception of family helpfulness
upon returning home
Lack of support or appreciation
Feeling that uncontrollable factors such as
weather, timing, inadequate personnel or equip-
ment, communication failures, or accidents in-
volving members of the rescue group have de-
termined the outcome of the rescue
A feeling that forces beyond their control were
directing the course of their life
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