Mental Health Support to the Kosovar Refugees: Lessons Learned — A Canadian Perspective

Abstract

, a commuter train going in to London crashed into an express train. In the first 24 hours, >3,900 calls were received by the Casualty Bureau with over 7,000 people reported as possibly having been on the two trains. Thirty-one people died and dozens were injured. This presentation will highlight some key issues arising from the management of the disaster including: 1) The emergency services' response: rescue and body recovery; 2) The impact of media speculation on the disaster response; 3) The role of family liaison officers and the coroner; 4) Trauma support for disaster workers; and 5) The work of the inquiry. What Have We Learned? The disaster and its aftermath coincided with some key legal and political developments that may have a bearing on future disaster planning and response. These include new guidelines for doctors on post-mortems and liaison with relatives as well as forthcoming legislation on corporate manslaughter. The presentation will draw on research interviews as well as documentary evidence including the inquiry transcripts. It will highlight the value of a multidisciplinary approach for understanding the range of issues arising from this incident and its implications for future disaster management.