EXPERIENCES LEADING TO PREDISPOSITION OF DAVAO CITY CENTRAL 911 NURSES TO POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Abstract

The study entitled ―Experiences Leading to Predisposition of Davao City Central 911 to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder‖ was conducted to specifically know the 911 nurses‘ traumatic experiences and its effects. The study aimed to show the work-related traumatic experiences that predispose them to have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The researcher used simple percentage and frequency distribution to evaluate the symptoms and predisposition of PTSD of the nurses, while, case study was used to explain the qualitative answers on their experiences that predisposes them to PTSD. The study was conducted at Davao City Central 911 Sandawa station and all registered nurses were included in the screening of respondents. The nurses who scored 30-85 points during the screening are the ones included in the study. These respondents are a total of four (4) nurses and they were interviewed for the case study.

The case study results show that there DCC 911 nurses are predisposed to PTSD due to work-related events. From the four respondents, two (2) experienced symptoms of PTSD because of traumatic images related to their job. For another respondent, it was from an experience of responding to a patient on fire. One respondent‘s experience was from having a patient that was dead on scene.

The common responses from the experiences were- being shocked and terrified and the flashback of incident were always remembered them for some time. Flashback during conversation related to the event and during sleep were the most common effect of the traumatic experiences.

Based on the result of the study, it can be implied that Davao City Central 911 nurses are predisposed to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is a need for the nurses to be equipped with the awareness and knowledge of the signs and symptoms of PTSD. If medical professional be provided, it can assist in learning, coping tools, awareness and strategies to the nurses. Hence, there is avoidance and lessening of negative psychological effects and the nurses can have good emotional and psychological disposition at home and at work.