How Rescue Workers Can Help:

After violence or disaster rescue workers should:

• Protect children:
  • From further harm
  • From traumatic sights and sounds
  • From onlookers and media
• Be kind, but firm in directing children:
  • Away from the event site
  • Away from injured survivors
• Keep children together with family and friends
• Identify children in acute distress
  • Stay with them until they are calm
  • They may tremble
  • They may ramble
  • They may become mute
  • They may exhibit erratic behavior
    • Loud crying
    • Rage
    • They may sit completely still or frozen
• Be tolerant of difficult behavior
• Be tolerant of strong emotions
• Supportive acts help children feel safe:
  • A quick hug
  • A reassuring word

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