Citation

Mitchell TL, Griffin K, Stewart SH, Loba P. J. Health Psychol. 2004; 9(2): 245-262.

Affiliation

Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Canada. tmitchel@wlu.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1359105304040890

PMID

15018726

Abstract

In collaboration with a Community Advisory Group we examined the impact of the 1998 Swissair Flight 111 disaster on volunteer responders and surrounding communities. We conducted qualitative interviews and administered a set of structured questionnaires to 13 volunteer disaster workers and conducted a focus group with community leaders. Community silence and limited help-seeking behaviour were typical reactions to the SA 111 disaster. The nature and duration of the disaster response efforts contributed to a probable 46 per cent PTSD rate in the community volunteers. Community-based, culturally appropriate followup, as well as the development of volunteer protocols for future disaster response efforts, are necessary to minimize long-term health impacts and to promote resilience among community residents and volunteers exposed to a major disaster.

Language: en