Reactions of medical students affected by a major disaster

Abstract

This report describes the concerns and reactions of medical students who were affected by a major disaster at a football game in Sheffield in 1989. Some reactions were related to their stage of training, especially their feelings of guilt, doubts about their competence, and concern that they would not be able to cope with the stresses of doctoring. Relationships with fellow students were also problematic. Four months after the disaster, two students were still experiencing considerable distress. Staff can ameliorate such effects by providing formal teaching about posttraumatic stress disorder and by being prepared to offer support.