Post Incident Support: What Happens After Delivering First Aid

When we think about first aid, most of us picture bandages, CPR, or calling 999. But there’s another side to responding in an emergency that is often overlooked: the emotional impact on the person who gave the help. Delivering first aid can be a deeply stressful experience, especially if the situation was serious or life-threatening.

The Hidden Impact of First Aid

Some people may notice:

• Difficulty sleeping or vivid dreams about the event
• A sense of anxiety in similar situations
• Feeling emotional or unusually irritable
• Avoiding places or reminders of the incident

These are common responses to witnessing or being involved in an emergency, and they don’t mean you are weak or did something wrong. They simply reflect that the experience was intense and outside of everyday life.

The Importance of Talking

One of the most effective ways to process what happened is to talk about it. Sharing your experience with a trusted colleague, friend, or family member can help put events into perspective. In workplace settings, many employers have peer support networks or access to employee assistance programmes (EAPs) that provide confidential counselling.

If you responded as part of a team, don’t underestimate the value of speaking with others who were there. They will understand the situation in a way others may not, and it can be reassuring to know you are not alone in how you feel.

Professional Support

If distress continues beyond a few days, or if the impact is interfering with daily life, professional help is recommended. Your GP can refer you to talking therapies, and charities such as Mind, Samaritans, or PTSD UK offer resources and support lines. For those in emergency or healthcare roles, organisations like The Blue Light Programme (from Mind) focus specifically on the needs of responders.

Looking After Yourself

There are also simple steps you can take to support your recovery after a difficult incident:

• Rest and routine – try to maintain regular sleep and eating patterns.
• Movement – light exercise, like walking, can ease stress.
• Avoid bottling it up – writing down your feelings can sometimes help when talking feels too much.
• Stay connected – spending time with others can reduce feelings of isolation.

Remember: You Made a Difference

In moments of crisis, you stepped forward when it mattered. That is something to be proud of. The outcome of a medical emergency does not always lie in your hands, but your actions gave someone a better chance and offered reassurance in their most vulnerable moment.

Supporting yourself after giving first aid is just as important as the first aid you provided. By recognising the emotional impact and reaching out for help when needed, you ensure that you can continue to be there for others — and for yourself.