Summary
At some point in our careers, we are all likely to be involved in a traumatic or catastrophic event that stops us in our tracks. It might involve patients, one of our colleagues or ourselves. In the immediate aftermath, we are likely to feel stunned, dazed, numb, cut off from our feelings or from what is going on around us and often find it difficult to believe that it has happened. Catastrophic events can trigger a range of emotions and make decision-making difficult, so it is important to manage practicalities quickly and with sensitivity and compassion. Instead of placing the burden solely on individuals to become resilient, organisations and leaders should cultivate a supportive culture where resilience is a collective effort.