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Responding to Airmen who responded: Nellis Disaster Mental Health team activates after Las Vegas shooting

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver
  • 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

“When people go through traumatic experiences, often times we call them heroes, but it’s common for them to never see it that way,” said Maj. Kimberly Lane, 99th Medical Operations Squadron clinic social worker.

Since 8 a.m. Oct. 2, the Nellis Disaster Mental Health team has provided services for those directly and indirectly affected by the largest single shooter massacre in modern U.S. history at the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival Oct. 1.

“It’s common for people to wait 48 to 72 hours after a traumatic experience before they realize they want to speak to somebody,” said Lane. “It has been a few days, and we are starting to see an influx of people coming in now that they are starting to process everything they just went through.”

“The Nellis Disaster Mental Health team is a collaborative group meant to bring the synergy of all the Airmen support groups together,” said Lt. Col. Dwayne Jones, 99th Air Base Wing chaplain. “From mental health and the behavioral health optimization program to chaplains and the Airman and Family Readiness Center, we are able to help our Airmen in times of crisis, such as these.”

Although the Team is providing professional help, any Airman can be a good Wingman. Most help can be provided without saying a word.

“Whenever that person is ready to talk about what they saw and what they heard, it’s important for us, as a Nellis, Creech and (Nevada Test and Training Range) community, to be here for them,” said Jones. “However, sometimes there’s the proclivity to extract information from the individual too early, and that’s not going to help them heal.”

“Telling somebody that everything is going to be OK is something you want to avoid,” said Lane. “There is so much of the unknown that you want to avoid making promises. Instead, let them know that you are there for them, that their response is OK, and listen when they decide they want to talk.”

“During this time, keep an eye on your Wingmen and make sure they are maintaining their normal routines,” said Jones. “Even if they weren’t at the concert, they may know somebody or just feel the secondary and tertiary effects of what happened miles down the road from them.”

Ultimately, the goal is for people to experience post-traumatic growth rather than post-traumatic stress.

“People are naturally resilient,” said Lane. “Not everyone involved will even need to see Disaster Mental Health, but it’s important to know that not only are we here for them, but that their friends, families and coworkers are as well.

“Every experience we go through, whether it’s good or bad, big or small, changes us,” said Lane. “Some for the better and some for the worst. But, it’s that piece of post-traumatic growth that although it may change us, it doesn’t have to define us."


Editors note: This is part three of a four part series focusing on Nellis' support in the aftermath of the Las Vegas shooting.

We recognize that many of our Airmen affected by the shooting are now starting to open up.  Therefore, our Mental Health, Chaplain MFLCC teams will continue to provide services throughout the weekend.   The hotline is still open 702 652-2950 and walk-in service will be available from Oct. 7 to 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Nellis Chapel Office (building 616).

Additional resources:

Critical Incident - Trauma Resilience

Critical Incident - Trauma Talking to Children

You can access the podcast "The Pillars" on iTunes and or this link


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