Expert – How to recognize a Traumatic Anxiety

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Weakness, shortness of breath, faintness, trembling hands – these are some of the signs and symptoms that will facilitate the identification of a shock victim says Dr. Rafi Strugo, medical director of MDA.

Since the beginning of Operation Protective Edge, MDA personnel have treated 283 trauma victims throughout the country, among the 400 casualties. Yesterday local authorities in cooperation with the Home Front Command and the Ministry of Health opened community centers to treat shock, which will help remove a little pressure from the overcrowded emergency rooms in hospitals. These centers have skilled psychologists and social workers that can help patients suffering anxiety cope with the difficulties of war.

Dr. Rafi Strugo points out the signs and symptoms of anxiety: weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, a feeling of tingling, faintness, nervous blinking eyes, restlessness and tremors.

An MDA doctor talks to the victim finds out if he is exposed to psychological backlash, makes an immediate physical examination and checks whether any current illnesses have worsened. The doctor reassures the patient, gives him water and some food (a piece of cake or cookie), and employs the anxious person with work to divert his/her attention from the event.

If you think someone is suffering from Trauma Anxiety:  Do not leave the Trauma patient alone. Ask the persons personal details, including his identity, name, age, address and his cell phone number as this can help bring the patient into the present.