Tragedy at Surfside and its Total Impact

During this last week, many Americans have been glued to their chosen news outlet and given a front row seat to the terrible tragedy that has befallen residents of the Champlain Towers South Condominiums in the small community of Surfside, Florida. Americans and many others around the world are in mourning, as this tragedy involved victims of all ages, nationalities and ethnicities.

Professionals specially trained to deal with search and rescue in this type of incident have come from throughout the state and the nation, and also from other countries, to help in the recovery effort.

We’ve seen incidents such as this occur in nations around the world as natural disasters have toppled buildings and left families grieving for lost children, parents and grandparents. We’ve also witnessed the senseless violence of nations at war, leaving carnage in the wake of leaders not being able to come to a consensus to avoid such devastation and loss of life.

Families will be dealing with the loss of relatives and friends for many years to come, especially during the holidays as seats sit empty at the table, and other times when they should be enjoying the love and friendship of those whom they held so dear. There is no cure for the hurt they will feel. Time may soften the loss, but it always will be with them.

The incident and its causes will be a source of rumors and speculation for a considerable time to come. Only a fully detailed investigation of all the evidence and contributing factors will provide us with a clear picture of what happened and how we might prevent a similar event from ever happening again. We owe it to all of those whose lives were impacted by this tragedy on that fateful day. Knee-jerk reactions and political posturing need to be put on hold, as they serve no useful purpose.

Having said that, I want to speak to our need to take into consideration the impact this is having on many of the first responders who have been working tirelessly through each day since the event occurred. We need to be aware of the effects this is having on those professionals, and the psychological stress this is placing upon them. This trauma is similar to that which is suffered by a soldier who has returned from battlefields across the globe. These first responders will have to deal with the exposure to this terrible tragedy for years to come, just like many of those returning soldiers.

We have learned a lot about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). In World Wars I and II, it was often referred to as “shell shock.” Sometimes it was dismissed out of hand, and that was unfortunate. Since then, we’ve learned a great deal more about it and are dealing with it in a more respectful and professional way.

I had a very short exposure to Ground Zero in New York after 9/11. We moved manpower and vehicles into the city from my employer on the day after the attacks. Most major manufacturers responded in a similar manner out of pride and patriotism as the nation came together as one. 

The sight of those firefighters, EMS personnel and law enforcement working what they referred to as “the pile” will always stay with me. Those men would not leave, working tirelessly trying to recover survivors, as well as the bodies of their comrades, from that horrific day. Those memories still burn in the minds of all of them, and some are still dealing with the psychological effects 20 years later.

Watching the news regarding the Surfside incident probably brings back similar memories to others. The situations first responders generally face are inherently difficult and stressful. They typically are the first to arrive on the scene of events involving injuries and loss of life. They often provide emotional as well as physical support to traumatized survivors. These duties often put first responders at risk for secondary or vicarious trauma. The Surfside event is of a magnitude many never have faced.

Those professionals working alongside each other trying to recover survivors or the remains of loved ones all stand the risk of being collateral damage. It is therefore vitally important that those involved are provided appropriate counseling to deal with any issues they may deal with post incident. That could be depression, distress, worry, disturbed sleep or concentration, alterations in work function, difficulties with interpersonal relationships and even substance abuse.

In today’s world, we must learn to accept the fact that injuries can go beyond that of a physical nature, and recognize that exposure to these types of events can also necessitate healing in other ways.