In the last of three articles on pre-hospital care, Tim Kilner considers the psychological care of patients and staff

Nurses working in the pre-hospital environment are well placed to provide psychological care for victims, relatives and bystanders who are directly involved in the incident. Although frequently forgotten, psychological care should not be underestimated, as such trauma is likely to be a significant part of the patient’s experience. Psychological trauma is not exclusive to the victims. All those exposed to the incident are potentially at risk. Seasoned A&E nurses may feel they are immune to such trauma having ‘seen it all’, but the reality is that experience in the A&E department may not prepare the nurse for what he or she may experience in the pre-hospital setting.