Train crash psychological help

(ANSA) - Perugia, July 13 - Psychologists assisting the families of those killed in a train collision on Tuesday and the rescue workers involved are following protocols implemented after the 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines are also being applied, as they were for a fire on the Norman Atlantic ferry and an explosion at the fireworks factory in the Bari area. "These are interventions of psychological support for victims' family members and rescue workers" that have been tried and seen to be effective in previous situations in Italy, ANSA was told by David Lazzari, member of the National Order of Psychologists and head of the Umbria section. In Puglia, the regional section led by Antonio Di Gioia made itself available immediately after the accident between Andria and Corato. "As soon as we found out about it," he said, "three of the emergency psychological associations (Sipem, Psicologia per i Popoli and Stasis) were mobilized. A group of around 40 experts in emergency situations were sent to support the families at the Bari Policlinico morgue, the scene of the accident and the emergency intervention spot set up by the Andria town council at the Palasport." Di Gioia underscored that timeliness is key "when we are dealing with moments that are difficult to manage, since they foster high levels of emotion and explosive fragility." Another thirty psychologists were activated on Wednesday at the Bari medical facilities to provide assistance to family members who had to identify the victims. "We split into groups there," the head of the Puglia section said, "ensuring support for the families in collaboration with doctors, nurses, Red Cross workers and volunteers from the Civil Defense." He added that in the coming days they would also be helping rescue workers, saying that "they also need support after having dealt with the emergency. This is to handle as best as possible post-traumatic situations of stress, depression, panic attacks, sleep disorders and everything that can be sparked by trauma of this sort."