2nd Trauma Program
The Art of Communicating
with Families of Trauma Victims
Conversations with the family members of trauma patients can be the most stressful
part of the job in the trauma unit. But such conversations are unavoidable and
they are vital to the future well-being of the family. Yet few trauma physicians
and nurses receive training in how to do this part of their job well.
SOLUTION: Adventures in Caring has collaborated with the American Trauma
Society to combine the best practices from the nation’s leading trauma
centers into its 2nd Trauma Program. In it you gain:
- New skills to read and respond to the needs of families.
- A process of interacting with families that leads to less stress, greater satisfaction, and better outcomes.
- Good examples, practice, personal coaching, and an opportunity to discuss difficult cases.
- CEUs and CMEs available.
Each year, in our nation’s trauma centers and hospital emergency departments,
more than 4 million family members receive news of a sudden, unexpected and
violent death or traumatic injury of their child, spouse, parent or loved one.
This is what is meant by “2nd Trauma” – the catastrophic,
emotional distress experienced by the trauma victim’s family. The first
trauma is to the patient – the second trauma is to the family of the patient.
Many families of trauma victims fall apart through divorce, depression, drug
and alcohol abuse, neglect of surviving children, or suicide. However, when
family members get the help and compassion they need during the traumatic event,
they cope better with their own reactions, and they can begin to grieve—and
to plan—in a more constructive manner.
As original members of the national advisory group that guided the 2nd Trauma
Program’s initial steps, Karen and Simon Fox were asked to design and
conduct the pilot phases. Their 20 plus years of experience in teaching compassion
is a key contribution to a program that brings hope, help and comfort to families
in the most heartbreaking hours of their lives.
This vital program is now being offered through the Adventure in Caring Foundation.
For more information contact: Simon Fox, Executive Director.