Dealing ...

[tnkuffs]

This is very difficult for me to ask for someone to listen or to even discuss such private events. But, having been in the ps field this is the most comfortable place for me to turn. I am an EMT, and am pursuing a career in law enforcement. I have had a very bad experience occur in my personal life. I do not think I am doing to horrible dealing with it considering, but I am worried about how I will deal with the a sexual assault/rape call as the rescue personnel onscene or even the officer. Can anyone offer some words of wisdom for me? Is it possible for me to deal with this and still be a good medic/officer? Or am I just kidding myself?
Thanks for listening to me.

[MTB_Patrol]

Perhaps I'm reading too much into this but, I presume that you have been a victim of an assault?

In all honesty I think that if this is the case you would be better able to tend to your victims and give them the emotional support and compassion appropriate in thier greatest time of need.

As far as you "dealing with it" personally, nobody will be able to tell for sure until that time comes and you are faced with the situation, exactly how you will react. I would reccomend seeking professional counseling before that occurs.

[ATF SAC]

In some instances, dealing with the issue once removed can actually help deal with the personal impact. Presents a situation where there are professional expectations of dispassion, which is not a lack of compassion. My concern for you is that this is sort of a sink or swim approach and I would suggest speaking with a sexual assault counselor and working it through before you have to face it. Be good for you and make you better prepared to be good for someone who will really need you to help. Know a lot of counselors in this field, many who came to it from being a victim. Seek someone out.

[AuntieDispatche]

"I do not think I am doing to horrible dealing with it considering, but I am worried about how I will deal with the a sexual assault/rape call as the rescue personnel onscene or even the officer."

It sounds like you are trying to deal with it, which is good. By realizing that this could be an issue, I wonder if it wouldn't be beneficial for you to get some professional counselling. (If you have not already done so.) Healing yourself has to be the first step. The personal experience could make you better able to help people in similar situtations, but only if you can handle it without suffering additonal personal pain and stress. To echo what the others have said, seek out a good counselor and help yourself first.

Mary

[Duckie911]

When something like that happens it will almost destroy you if you let it. It IS very difficult to talk about it and ask for help, but talking about it will be the help you need. You are not to take the blame, it is not your fault, you have nothing to be ashamed of. It took me a LONG time to understand that after I was assaulted. As far as dealing with other victims, the first one will be the hardest because if you went through it, it will bring your assault right to the front of your mind and you have to push that away to deal with what's in front you. It isn't that easy. My first rape call I wanted to go the the house and just hold the girl and tell her it would get better but I couldn't. After some time dealing with the calls gets a little easier, maybe not easier but those who have been through it do understand a little more, and that also helps in the process. If you have "been there - done that" you can help others and help yourself at the same time. Good luck and feel free to e-mail me if you want.
Dee

[Flippy]

Does your squad/agency have a chaplain? I know most do. If so, please talk to him/her. You have nothing to be ashamed of and it's best to get this out right now and deal with it rather than letting it fester inside you. If you hold on to this, you're only prolonging the pain that this person has caused you.

To answer your original question........I'm in EMS also and I've found that when I have a call that hits close to home, it may be difficult the first time, but it prepares me and strengthens me when I get another call of that nature.

Please don't think that because something like this has happened to you, you're somehow "ruined." That's not true! Let your experience help others to learn and grow. Even a horrible situation can be for the good of someone. It will ruin you only if you allow it.

Any by the way........I'm really sorry about whatever happened to you. {{{{{hugs}}}}}

[Donald Johnson]

Even those who are compassionate at some point need time out for their own health and sanity. Otherwise you're ;) :sick: :star: :huh?: :o :bounce: :cool: and who's on the recieving end then??? Even the Good Samaritian in the Bible didn't sell off his farm/business to care for the Jew that was assaulted on the side of the road. Otherwise you have two people down.
A hand up not a handout.