The first 48 hours after trauma – Pastoral perspectives

Trauma workers and therapists who usually arrive first at a disaster scene (first responders) can make the difference between life and death. In this connection, however, the necessary recognition is not always given to pastoral counsellors as part of such an emergency team. For many victims of trauma, this also implies a battle of faith around questions regarding God’s involvement or absence. In light of this, it is all the more essential that pastoral counseling will be a pertinent component of first responders after major traumatic incidents. The proposed approach in this course regarding the process of defusing and debriefing therefore specifically also includes a pastoral component. For many victims, such a traumatic experience implied the darkest hour in their life, and the input of a pastoral counselor could serve as a ray of light and hope, and also an anchor to hold on to.