Imad has to identify a friend (KULEUVEN-02-EN)

Imad, a 20-year-old homeless person from Afghanistan, arrives at a forensic institute. He was asked to come to the institute and identify a homeless friend who was found dead in the street after being attacked. Imad witnessed the attack and was on the scene when the first responders declared his friend dead. The staff is trying to explain the identification process and what will be done with the body following identification, with the help of a translator. It is getting increasingly difficult to talk and interact with him, as he is confused and agitated, talks in a somewhat incoherent manner, is drunk, is sweating and shows signs of anxiety. The staff is concerned that he will leave the forensic institute in this state and harm himself, but they do not know how to calm him and try to help him.

The medical staff realized that unpleasant emotions, thoughts, behaviours and bodily sensations could be the signs of a possible psychological trauma. The person’s homeless status could also factor in this vulnerability.

They acknowledged agitation, sweating, anxiety, as possible posttraumatic emotional reactions rather than rudeness, consideration and gratitude for their efforts to help. In an empathetic attitude, they expressed their support and understanding for the person’s sense of loss and distress caused also by the identification process.

They got Imad to sit down and take deep breaths and gave him a glass of water. They also asked him if he had anybody whom they could contact to come to the institute and provide additional support for him.

They provided him with additional educational material related to psychological trauma and self-help techniques that could help him to overcome current problems and offered their further support in recovery.

Dr. Mina Rauschenbach, Associate Researcher, KU Leuven