Local Community Emergency Teams (CETs) work closely with rescue forces. During interventions, these teams are exposed, in real time, to the difficult sights and situations that individual victims, families, and communities are experiencing. CETs serve with a high level of dedication, social responsibility, and humanitarianism.
These helpers are vulnerable to situations outside their control and are at risk for various types of danger. The impacts range across a spectrum from secondary traumatic stress syndrome (the costs they pay), to posttraumatic growth (the “benefits”).
The scientific literature we reviewed emphasized the need to appoint a team member to support the rescue workers in the field through prompt, preventive interventions. It is important for a designated person to provide responses to the teams’ needs, and strive to reduce risks, burnout, and secondary traumatization among the helpers.
In light of this need, the Ministry of Social Affairs has decided to add a new position to the Community Emergency Teams: a CET supporter.
