Introduction
The Impossible is a rollercoaster of emotions as it presents the heartbreaking story of the survival of a family from a tsunami. The family had gone on vacation in Thailand to a new beach resort and was prepared for a great holiday. The tsunami leads to them being separated from each other, which creates a crisis as every family member is searching for their loved ones. A timely response to a crisis is essential as it provides a platform for victims to get help (Cordero-Reyes et al., 2017). The members of the family reunite with each other but the destruction caused can be seen.
Crisis in The Impossible
Maria is the character who is in crisis from the onset of the tsunami up to when she is transferred to Singapore for further treatment. Maria is separated from her family and spends time trying to reconnect with them. What complicates a possible reunion is Maria being hospitalized as she sustains serious chest and leg injuries during the terrifying ordeal. Her injuries are sustained after she was thrown onto a glass wall by the raging water and wind. News of the tsunami reaches Maria’s father and other loved ones. Hospitals in the area are devastated due to the destruction and makeshift hospitals have to be created to assist people who need help. Emergency response is critical in every crisis and the director ensures that is incorporated into the development of the plot. It is important to note that the movie is about a real-life event that happened in 2004.
Nature and Course of the Crisis
The crisis that Maria undergoes is s result of a natural disaster. As the movie starts, the director presents what seems like a happy family going for a well-deserved holiday in a new country. The place they are to reside in is a new beach resort that has some of the best facilities in the area. After staying for two days in the resort, the tsunami hits the area and causes massive destruction. The facilities near the beach are swept off by the water. People are also affected by some drowning and others are killed by the debris in the water. Maria and her son Lucas are the first to find one another and, in the process, help a toddler who was in the wreckage. The next part of the crisis involves Maria fighting for her life as she sustained serious injuries and trying to reunite with her family members. Maria has to undergo two surgeries, one on her chest and the other on her legs, to ensure she survives. After the second surgery, they are reunited with the family, which helps Maria obtain peace of mind.
Crisis Intervention Model
Based on the crisis encountered by Maria as a result of a natural disaster, the following crisis intervention model can be applied:
- The first step is to conduct a thorough psychosocial assessment of the client. In this case, Maria should be checked for injuries, possible trauma effects, probable medical needs and medications, likely stressors, and current use of drugs and alcohol (Cordero-Reyes et al., 2017). The initial step is important as it allows the first responders to determine the type of care the individual needs.
- The next step involves establishing a conversation with the client and assuring them of their safety at the institution. This step also involves explaining to the client the issues identified and informing them of what can be done to remedy the situation.
- What follows should focus on the physical injuries and the emotions and feelings of the client. In cases where clients have serious injuries, emergency surgery should be conducted immediately to ensure that the client’s life is saved (Cordero-Reyes et al., 2017). In the case of emotions and feelings, crisis workers should listen to the client and ensure appropriate responses are provided.
- The final step should be following up and monitoring the client with the view of complete discharge. Following up is essential as it helps understand whether the client is undergoing any issues post-crisis.
Possible Resources Needed
Medical facilities will be necessary for the crisis intervention to work. In times of natural disasters, makeshift hospitals can be created to help provide faster responses (Cordero-Reyes et al., 2017). Transport for the injured is also necessary to ensure that every person is rescued. Air transport services can be applied since roads are impassable. Care workers are needed to provide the necessary support to the victims. A city/state should have first responders in place to respond to such a crisis (Cordero-Reyes et al., 2017). Communication is also necessary and should be done from a central place. Air surveillance should be conducted to ascertain the extent of the damage and identify people who can be rescued.
An Attempt at Coping with The Crisis and Possible Issues to Address During Counselling
Maria’s attempt at coping with the crisis is effective as she can reunite with her family and recuperate from the injuries. This can be attributed to the team of doctors who performed the surgeries successfully. Maria struggles with the thought of not reuniting with her family. People who experience any crisis may develop trauma and psychological issues that can alter their life.
During counseling, the counselor should focus on:
- The traumatic effects that Maria encountered ensure they do not have an impact on her present life.
- Whether any fears developed as a result of the incident. For example, individuals can develop a fear of drowning and may have problems going close to the water.
- Whether the client is having any difficulties attempting regular activities.
- Flashbacks and nightmares may remind the individual of the traumatic experience (Cordero-Reyes et al., 2017).
- Also, the counselor can ask questions on whether the client is experiencing anxiety or feeling detached and withdrawn.
Possible Interventions if the Client Had a Co-occurring Mental Issue
When working with patients with a co-occurring mental disorder, it is essential to identify a model that is culturally appropriate and empathetic. One of the possible interventions is providing the client with an integrated treatment model that combines treatment for the co-occurring mental conditions. Clinicians can also engage in motivational enhancement to encourage the client to continue with the therapy while preventing relapse (Pfefferbaum et al., 2019). The counselor can also develop a contingency management technique that is aimed at addressing specific behaviors. Furthermore, continuous support is necessary since the client may have issues interacting with people. Creating a support network will go a long way in ensuring the client accomplishes the treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, Maria experiences a crisis that results in physical and mental torture. She experiences serious injuries that threaten her life. The movie depicts a family who fights for each other in difficult times. Also, it illustrates the importance of emergency response services in times of crisis. Victims of crisis events may experience trauma, which may change the way they go about their daily life. It is essential for any response to also focus on the mental effects that victims encounter.
References
Cordero-Reyes, A.M., Palacios, I., Ramia, D., West, R., Valencia, M., Ramia, N., Egas, D., Rodas, P., Bahamonde, M. & Grunauer, M., (2017). Natural disaster management: Experience of an academic institution after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Ecuador.Public Health, 144, 134-141. Web.
Pfefferbaum, B., Nitiéma, P., & Newman, E. (2019). A meta-analysis of intervention effects on depression and/or anxiety in youth exposed to political violence or natural disasters. In Child & Youth Care Forum, 48, (4), 449-477. Web.