Two Israeli trauma experts have arrived in South Mississippi to help first responders – and give a four-day training session focused on giving them the tools they need to cope with traumatic situations.

“Whenever they treat injured people or a family of victims, the way they react and approach these people will make a difference in the way these people cope,” said Dr. Yehuda Shacham, Israeli Trauma Coalition.

Shacham says police and firefighters have to understand they touch people on psychological and social levels when they respond to help.

At the same time, Dr. Shacham says first responders can not forget they too are human. Gulfport Police Officer Michael Saucier agrees.

“The biggest part is going to be our ability to take this back to our fellow police officers and enhance their abilities to cope with traumatic incidences and continue doing the things we do as a stronger police force,” said Saucier.  

The Center for Community Resilience organized the session. There will be three more.

(Source: WLOX)