Life after the Boston Marathon Bombing - Coping with the Trauma

April the 15th has always been known as Tax Day for Americans. This year the 15th occurred on the third Monday of April, the date of one of America's great traditional events, the Boston Marathon. But now, that date will always remind us of the horrific events that transpired that sunny afternoon in Boston. Images of that day will be forever etched into the minds of not only doctors, nurses, first responders and participants but also the entire nation. Think about the doctors and nurses who were working in the Boston ER's that day. How did they feel when they were inundated with victims who were clinging to life? How are they coping today? How would you react in that situation?

As thousands gathered on Monday, April 15, "Patriots Day" to participate in or cheer on runners in one of America's well-known events, the Boston Marathon, little did anyone know that the sunny day would soon be darkened by senseless acts of terrorism. While thousands were focused on crossing the finish line and completing the race, two brothers had another goal in mind.

The horrific drama that gripped Boston, the surrounding area, and the world for more than 5 days, began when two homemade bombs exploded 12 seconds apart near the finish line. Three young people were killed, and more than 170 injured as shrapnel blasted through the viewing area.

While hundreds of volunteers and first responders attended to the emergent physical needs of hundreds, shock filled the people in the immediate area as well as hundreds of thousands of television viewers who were watching a scene unfold that brought to mind the overwhelming terror of September 11th.

This event was followed immediately by a massive manhunt after two brothers had been identified as the perpetrators. The following days were filled with great anxiety, particularly for those in the Boston area as the brothers seemed to vanish into thin air. Businesses, schools, and mass transportation were shut down as massive lockdowns were mandated. Two others lost their lives in the ensuing pursuit and subsequent gun fights, including one of the suspects and a university policeman.

Finally, the second suspect was captured on Friday night and taken into custody. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in serious condition as the result of wounds he received, presumably from gunshots.

Now that the suspects have been either shot or captured, we can all begin to breathe again. But how long will it be before we feel safe again........if ever???

After an event of this magnitude, all of those involved have to deal with the feelings that have accumulated over the past several days...... All of the workers........at the race, in the hospitals........all of the first responders that dealt with the carnage. What about those doctors and nurses who were working in the Boston ER's that day? Think of how they felt when they were inundated with victims who were clinging to life. You know that they will never get those images out of their minds.

Let's not forget about nurses who will be working with this suspect and seeing to his needs. The irony.... The same doctors and nurses who worked frantically to save the lives of the victims will now be focused on saving the attacker. They will provide him with the best of care. Although they will remain professional, they will have to deal with their own personal feelings about someone who caused injury to so many.

The journey of the investigation into this horrendous event is just beginning. While there is a great deal of relief with the capture of the surviving suspect, many unanswered questions remain.

Terrorism is a powerful thing which violates our physical and mental beings. Recovery and healing are in the beginning stages for the families of those who died, for the injured and their families, and others touched by this tragedy. The needs of the bomb victims and their loved ones go well beyond dealing with the physical wounds. Many face months and possibly years of recovery from those wounds. But this trauma can also elicit a range of emotions as well as post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Medical staff and first responders will need debriefing as well. They are coping with the emotional impact of dealing with the extensive and life-threatening wounds of the victims. Nurses are trying to manage the continuing care of the victims while managing their own feeling of grief, anger, and shock. It is important for them to be able to talk about their feelings in the midst of this ongoing crisis.

Many resources have been made available for the victims to help deal with the emotional trauma of the bombing. Nurses need to take advantage of the resources as they too are victims. In order to take care of others, nurses and doctors need to take care of themselves.

Feel free to post how this event has impacted you. I would especially love to hear from any nurses who were on duty that day or who have assisted in any way. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with this.

For resources to help victims deal with the emotional trauma, please read

Stopping the Emotional Bleeding Following a Disaster