Support for bystanders
We’re here when you need us most - at the scene of an incident and beyond.
Perhaps you stopped to help someone you didn't know. You might have called 999, performed CPR, helped at a road traffic collision or stayed with somebody until emergency services arrived.
Or perhaps you simply witnessed what happened.
However you were involved, witnessing a serious emergency can be difficult to process.
If Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity attended the incident, our Aftercare service is here for you too.
What happens after an incident?
People respond to difficult events in different ways.
In the hours, days or weeks afterwards, you might find yourself thinking repeatedly about what happened. You may have questions about the incident or wonder whether you did the right thing.
You might feel upset, anxious or distracted, or find that your sleep has been affected. You might also feel completely fine.
There is no single way you should feel.
If you would like to talk about your experience, you can contact our Aftercare service.
How can our Aftercare service help?
We are not a counselling or therapy service. However, we can:
listen to your experience and give you space to talk
help answer questions about our involvement in the incident, where we can
help you understand what happened at the scene
signpost you to organisations that can provide further or specialist support
pass on a message to members of our team, where appropriate.
Sometimes, simply talking to someone who understands what happens at the scene of a medical emergency can help.
You don't need to have provided first aid to contact us.
You may have:
called 999
performed CPR or used a defibrillator
stopped at a road traffic collision
provided first aid
comforted or stayed with somebody
helped emergency services at the scene
witnessed an incident from nearby
seen a serious medical emergency involving a stranger, colleague, neighbour or friend.
If you witnessed an incident attended by our team and it has affected you, you can contact us.
Experiencing a difficult or frightening event can affect people in different ways.
If you are worried about how you are feeling, particularly if it is affecting your everyday life, there are organisations that can provide professional advice and support.
If you need urgent help with your mental health, please use the NHS urgent mental health support available in your area. If someone's life is at immediate risk, call 999 or go to A&E.
Links to further supportMaybe you have questions. Maybe you would like to talk. Or perhaps you're not quite sure why the incident is still on your mind.
Whatever you are experiencing, our Aftercare service is here for you. Please fill in the form below to get in touch, and our Aftercare team will contact you for an informal conversation.
Contact Aftercare
Get in touch
You don't need to know exactly what support you need before contacting us.
If Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity attended an incident that affected you, get in touch with our Aftercare service. We’re here to listen.