First responders can often find themselves in dangerous situations which can put the body and mind on high alert.
This type of reaction is called a stress response, and it can be helpful to ‘prime’ the body to respond quickly to danger. However, certain triggers can send people back into a
heightened stress response even when there is no danger present, making it difficult for them to function how they would like to.
What are triggers?
Triggers can be anything that reminds someone of a dangerous or traumatic situation. Triggers vary from person to person and, without warning and sometimes subconsciously, can throw someone back into the same acute stress reaction they experienced when the situation was originally unfolding.
This may include feeling helpless, becoming anxious, frozen or agitated, sweating and having an increased heart rate, taking exaggerate protective action, or alternatively
becoming very quiet and withdrawn.
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