They are an important source of support for our society, helping people working in the health service who do outstanding work day in, day out. Whenever a healthcare worker suddenly has to step down from their routine activities for an extended period as a result of unanticipated, adverse incidents – as was the case during the Covid-19 pandemic – they are referred to in the scientific literature as “second victims”. Set up in 2021 by Vienna-based anaesthetist and intensive care medicine specialist Dr Eva Potura, Second Victim is an association that aims to support staff across the health service and reduce the burden on them by means of training, awareness-raising and PR activities. It provides free and anonymous support services independently of employers, with the goal of preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders, depression, burnout and, ultimately, the decision to leave the profession.
Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein began giving financial backing to Second Victim in 2021. Second Victim is funded exclusively through donations, and it is run by volunteers who hold full-time jobs. The association is currently looking for volunteers who are interested in supporting the association’s continuing expansion.
For more information about second victim visit www.secondvictim.at.
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