Why do rescuers make such a big deal of getting close to an accident victim? I just had this talk with one of our fire fighters as we worked together during their annual toy give-away at our church. Holding out his hands to demonstrate, he said the neck must be stabilized or greater damage will be done. That takes getting close and cradling the head with both hands.
Secondly, traumatized people need human contact. Voices and touch are key components. Food, water, and even medical care, is often secondary.
Remember America’s baby, Jessica McClure? She’s 25 today. She was 18 months old October 14, 1987, when she fell into a well in Midland, Texas. While everyone remembers HER name, no one remembers the tiny titan who slipped into the parallel shaft drilled just for her rescue. His name has all but disappeared from our history books and memory banks.
At first he could not pull her out, but he could talk to and touch her. Eventually he pulled her out. When he surfaced, the photo taken captured the hearts of the world and the Pulitzer Prize.
The same hands of this tiny rescue worker, Robert O’Donnell, essential in saving baby Jess’s life, later took his own. We can’t help but wonder who needed to get close to Robert?
It should be no surprise that rescuers often suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. In hindsight, people saw his PTSD, but then it was too late…for Robert.
Who is it NOT too late for? Who on your radar is separated, but needs integrated? Conversation, not isolation, is called for. They need you lifting them, not letting go.
One of the saddest accusations I hear is: “No one was there for me (when I was hurting).” That cry should make us evaluate what we could have done differently? Did we walk on by, too busy to stop, like those who didn’t want to get involved with the beaten man before the Good Samaritan stopped in Luke 10:25-37?
The real “Christmas Story” is not about shooting your eyes out with a Red Ryder BB gun. It’s about God caring and closing the gap between Him and us through Jesus Christ. The Good News writer, Matthew, proclaimed: “Immanuel: God with us!” (Matthew 1:23). John 1:14 says Jesus “pitched His tent among us.” Paul shouted: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Then he answered his own question: “Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).
What do you need to do to close all these gaps from your end?
