Saw a friend badly injured at work?

Question

Today at work an coworker was severely injured. Several bones in her face were shattered, with severe lacerations, and she will lose her left eye. I am her immediate supervisor, and myself and one other co-worker were there when it happened. We were all being careful and taking every precaution, but it came as a result of a risk inherent in our work that we were all aware of. We were the only two present and had to keep her still and calm while the ambulance came.

I am having a hard time coping with the event. Even though I was as cautious as I could have been, since I was her manager, and therefore in charge of the situation, I still feel guilty.  Further, the nature of her injuries was extremely graphic- she avoided damage to her brain miraculously (thank God), but there was substantial damage to her face and eye.  I have never witnessed an injury anywhere near this severity.

I cannot stop seeing her and feeling anxiety and guilt. She is a beautiful young woman whose life is now forever altered.

Has anyone witnessed anything traumatic like this and coped effectively? My boyfriend feels as though I'm overreacting by having such a response. Am I?

ms manners · Answer

Overreacting?  Not at all.

What a traumatic experience!

I would try to deal with it by coming up with ways to avoid such events in the future, and doing what I could to help her.

lalalala · Answer

No you aren't, I would expect someone who saw that to be shaken up. After some time you'll get over it though, but it will take a few days, maybe weeks...it depends on the peson. Don't beat yourself up about it though, it was a freak accident and you did the best you could to help her.

MeAgain · Answer

You certainly don't sound like you are over reacting.  
Give yourself some time to see how well you cope with this 
tragedy.

Seeing something like that can overwhelm you.   It's a shock to 
your system.  
   You might want to concider talking to someone at the hospital about this.    The hospital should have a chaplin or a social worker.   
   Getting your feelings out in the open, being able to process them as soon as possible, can be very helpful.

Find a shoulder to lean on.     Your other co-worker might be one of the best people because, you now share this common bond,  as tragic as this is.

You are not overreacting.    Men and women handle things differently.   Women need to talk things out.

? · Answer

WHY WOULD YOU LET THAT HAPPEN TO HER YOU EVIL *****?!?!

Naguru · Answer

With such a sentence, I cannot do any wonder or miracle. I mean I cannot produce an answer for a sentence. In future pl. don't feel shy or hesitant to ask any question. Feel free and frank to ask anything pertaining to your friend.

Trending News

Saw a friend badly injured at work?

5 Answers