The implications of PTSD for the Fire and Rescue Service

摘要

In the immediate aftermath of the Vietnam War evidence began to emerge of a psychological syndrome being faced by US soldiers who served. On returning from Vietnam many seemed to struggle to integrate back into society. Some became disconnected and became involved in a mosaic of criminal activities. Some even threatened their loved ones with violence.Diagnosing what we today called Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) took a long time. Psychiatrists were reluctant to identify a new form of mental illness. This was completely understandable, especially in the light of advances in our understanding of how the brain works and reacts to various forms of stress. There has been a view in mainstream media that many people just look for an excuse to live an idle life and that any form of mental illness is as good a reason as any to shirk involvement in society.