Introduction

Critical incidents, whether man-made or natural disasters, are becoming more prevalent and assiduous. We have more displaced people now than during the Second World War. All of these factors are creating a greater need for global humanitarian aid work. The beneficiaries, and aid workers themselves, are more at risk than ever before of being impacted by trauma, whether directly or vicariously. This book aims to psychologically prepare, strengthen and build resilience of aid workers by encouraging good psychosocial care practices for staff exposed to the humanitarian aid sector. This chapter explores the psychological workplace hazards of trauma, acute stress, burnout, vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. Research and theory is interweaved with personal aid workers’ case studies, and data is shared from 30 completed mental health questionnaires covering 18 organisations. Additionally, the author gathered 12 detailed case studies, conducted 40 interviews and spoke to hundreds of aid workers over the last two years. Although the focus is on aid workers, the material will help anyone whose work involves direct or indirect contact with trauma, psychotherapists or mental health professionals, individuals suffering from acute stress and trauma, or anyone who has a general interest in trauma work.