In Switzerland as well as in other European countries, destinations around the Indian Ocean basin are very popular for beach holidays during European winter. As consequence, in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster on December 26th 2004, it could be expected that a not negligible number of Swiss residents would perceive at least psychological distress, not being sure if to consult a health professional or not.
JIDV 22 (Tome 8, numéro 1- 2010)
Author: Stefan Vetter
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n Switzerland as well as in other European countries, destinations around the Indian Ocean basin are very popular for beach holidays during European winter. As consequence, in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster on December 26th 2004, it could be expected that a not negligible number of Swiss residents would perceive at least psychological distress, not being sure if to consult a health professional or not.
As first line psychological support many tourists, who survived the disaster and relatives of the victims were offered early interventions on-site by psychosocial cells flown immediately after the disaster into the region or after repatriation to their countries of origin. At all Swiss airports early intervention teams received and supported homecoming survivors with handouts and personal consultation for several weeks. The handouts gave a basic psychoeducation as well as information about the specific health, social and legal service in the 26 different cantons of Switzerland. Furthermore the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affaires operated additionally a telephone hotline.
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