Page 42 - March 2021 Voices

FIELD NOTES

Compassion-Fatigue
When Compassion Runs Dry

Bryce A. McCollum, PsyD, DTM

Glenn lowered his binoculars in the state, “Doug, it’s

after viewing the fire time for me to rotate to
breaking over the ridge. The another position away
fire had just passed through from the fire lines.”
the town about 10 miles Glenn understood the

away. As he headed in that need for self-care, a
direction, he thought of his foundational practice
family who he had not seen to sustain compassion
for four months. He thought for any length of time,

about his father, also a Fire and thus Glenn made
Marshall, his childhood, and the decision that to be
his love for his job. It made able to help himself
sense he chose a career that and those serving with

took care of others, when he him, he needed to get
was young, he had always off the fire lines for now.
been known as “the kid with He felt confident with
a heart.” his decision; his crew

He slowed as he entered the town—it was would understand, it was their training, and in
completely devastated; homes and businesses time—they would seek his support as they also
were burnt to the ground. Once again, he would need to practice self-care off the fire lines.
was witnessing the remains of all that could This article is a follow-up to Elizabeth Spitzer’s

not escape the flames. Nearby, workers were article Practice Compassion that appeared in the
rendering first aid and arranging hospital February 2021 edition of Voices! Presented here,
transportation for survivors. Such repeated will be descriptions of some principles and
scenes were getting to him emotionally, he could psychological constructs relating to compassion

tell by his rising anxiety and the noticeable and compassion-maintenance. Compassion is
way it was affecting his decision making. a necessary virtue for the care of distressed
Glenn anticipated more sleepless nights. Later people. Professionals and volunteer caregivers
that day Glenn made a call to the lead officer are familiar with facing the daily challenge of

42 ONE COMMUNITY