effects of critical incident stress

PHYSICAL
Headaches
Visual Difficulties
Vomiting
Teeth Grinding
Weakness
Dizziness
Sweating
Chills
Shock Symptoms *
Fainting
Fatigue
Nausea
Muscle Tremors
Twitches
Chest Pain*
Difficulty Breathing*
Elevated Blood Pressure*
Rapid Heart Rate*
Thirst
Exhaustion
COGNITIVE
Poor Problem Solving
Poor Abstract Thinking
Loss of Orientation to Time and Place
Disturbed Thinking Ability
Nightmares
Intrusive Images
Disbelief
Flashbacks
Self-blame
* Seek Immediate Medical Help
EMOTIONAL
Change in Speech Patterns
Withdrawal
Emotional Outbursts
Suspiciousness
Change in Usual Communication
Loss or Increase of Appetite
Increased Alcohol Consumption
Inability to Relax or Sleep Disturbance
Loss of Emotional Control
Inappropriate Emotional Response
Increased or Decreased Awareness of Surroundings
Poor Problem Solving
Poor Abstract Thinking
Loss of Orientation to Time and Place
Disturbed Thinking Ability
Nightmares
Intrusive Images
Disbelief
Self-blame
Apprehension
Feeling Overwhelmed
Anger
Irritability
Agitation
Emotional Numbness
Loss of Motivation
Sense of Vulnerability
Feeling of Loss
Feeling of Helplessness
Anxiety
Guilt
Grief
Denial
Severe Panic (rare)
Emotional Shock
Fear
Uncertainty
Depression
Flashbacks
BEHAVIORAL
Blaming Someone
Confusion
Poor Attention
Poor Decision Making
Heightened or Lowered Awareness
Poor Concentration
Memory Problems
Exaggerated Vigilance
Difficulty Identifying Familiar Objects or People
Increased or Decreased Awareness of Surroundings