Rescuers from the NDRF who were involved in the train accident in Odisha successfully complete psychological testing
85 members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), who actively took part in the rescue efforts after the tragic railway disaster in Odisha, got a thorough psychiatric evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a novel development. According to NDRF Commandant Gurminder Singh, the evaluation by specialists from AIIMS-Kalyani in West Bengal determined that all the rescuers were “okay.”
An evaluation of the possible effects of seeing horrific occurrences, such as coming across serious injuries, hearing agonising cries, and recovering dead corpses during rescue operations, has lately been necessary for the NDRF, a federal contingency force. The AIIMS doctors had extensive conversations with the rescuers, and initial results point to their wellbeing.
According to Singh, who was reviewing the evaluation, “We will analyse if the experts provide further feedback based on their questions and analysis.” The NDRF is committed to prioritising the mental health and well-being of its employees, and this project ensures prompt assistance and intervention as needed.
An NDRF member who indicated signs of stress was noticed earlier during a similar counselling session for rescuers working on the earthquake relief operation in Turkey by specialists from AIIMS-Kalyani. The affected member has subsequently recovered and shown no long-term repercussions, however.
Atul Karwal, the director general of the NDRF, gave his insights from the Odisha train disaster operation, recalling instances in which staff members suffered from hallucinations and weight loss as a result of the stress they experienced. 44 people were saved, while 121 remains were removed from the disaster scene at Bahanaga Bazar railway station in Balasore district thanks in large part to the efforts of the NDRF. Unfortunately, a 17-year-old Bihar native died from his injuries, bringing the death toll to 290.
