Video: Fireworks Affecting Combat Veterans

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Starkville, Miss. (WCBI) — Fireworks on 4th of July may lead to negatives affects to the combat veterans that fought for this country.

Sergeant Eddie Scales fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was a part of a unit that helped train and go out on mission with the Iraqi Army.

“One particular day, my vehicle itself was hit by an I.E.D…”, says Sgt. Scales.

For those who are unaware, I.E.D. stands for Improvised Explosive Device.

“Once you go through something like that…”, recalls Scales, “…it has a tendency to stay with you for the rest of your life”.

Scales, like many combat veterans, suffers from P.T.S.D., or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

And with the 4th of July right around the corner, it’s a time when some veterans re-live their experiences.

“Some of those memories are strong, some are bad, and some are good…”, says Scales, “…but they’re there, it’s like they’re stuck in your mind and…it’s just hard to get rid of them”.

Wendie Woods, a counselor with Christian Changes Counseling, said that a multitude of things can trigger a flashback.

“Hearing the sound of an airplane, a helicopter, even fireworks as we approach 4th of July…”, said Woods.

“A firework can mimic the sound of a gunshot and that can trigger a flashback episode for someone with PTSD”.

Woods and Sgt. Scales both agree that the best way to handle someone going through a traumatic flashback is to distance yourself from that person and not immediately go and touch them.

They both also said the best thing to do is to offer the person comforting and ecnouraging words to bring them back to reality.

Sergeant Scales also said on this holiday, remember to be kind and careful to those who sacrificed for our freedoms.

www.militarywithptsd.org is giving away firework awareness signs to verified veterans to raise neighborhood awareness.

Categories: Local News

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