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The Emotional Consequences of Ejection, Rescue and Rehabilitation in Royal Air Force Aircrew

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

D. G. Fowlie  and
M. O. Aveline
D. G. Fowlie*
Affiliation:
Kingseat Hospital, Newmachar, Aberdeenshire; RAF Out-Patient Department, Nocton Hall, Nocton, Lincoln LN4 2AA
M. O. Aveline
Affiliation:
Nottingham Psychotherapy Unit, St Ann's Hospital, Porchester Road, Nottingham NG3 6LF
*
∗Correspondence
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Summary

Retrospective questionnaire information was sought from 175 Royal Air Force officers who had survived ejection from an aircraft and 88% replied. A profile of risk factors, both objective and subjective, was found in the 40% who subsequently experienced prolonged emotional disturbances. Confidential counselling of ejection survivors should therefore be routine. Consultation between involved medical staff and a Service psychiatrist can increase awareness that surviving aircrew may not be as composed and unaffected as they seem, while appropriate counselling can reduce prolonged emotional morbidity.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 146 , Issue 6 , June 1985 , pp. 609 - 613
Copyright
Copyright © 1985 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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