BY TENDAI MAKARIPE
JOLTED awake by the screech of brakes and a thunderous crash, Rotina Mavhurere, 38, rushed to the scene near her home in Ward 15, Tombo 2 in Nyanga.
A mangled car lay amidst twisted metal and shattered glass.
The sight was one she would never forget: a driver pinned under the dashboard, blood streaking his face as he gasped for breath.
Despite desperate efforts by villagers to free him, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
“The silence that followed was crushing,” Mavhurere said, her voice heavy with emotion.
The traumatic incident stayed with her, haunting her dreams and weighing on her.
“I would see visions of this man when I close my eyes to sleep. He would be calling my name for help. It traumatised me to the extent that I would wake up sweaty and shaking,” she said.
Such tragedies are alarmingly frequent in Nyanga, where sharp curves and reckless speeding make roads perilous.
This region was the site of Zimbabwe’s worst road accident in 1991, when 89 people, including 82 schoolchildren, died in a bus crash. More recently, in August, a truck carrying 64 churchgoers veered off the road, killing five and injuring 60 others.
But the toll of these accidents extends beyond the immediate victims.
First responders—whether trained paramedics, police officers, or community members like Mavhurere—face lasting emotional scars from witnessing these traumatic scenes.
The Emotional Toll on First Responders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Critical Incident Stress (CIS) syndrome are prevalent among first responders exposed to severe trauma.
In Zimbabwe, however, awareness of these conditions remains low, and support systems are severely inadequate.
A police officer from Kwekwe, who frequently attends accident scenes, described the lasting impact: “Sometimes, it’s not just the blood and injuries—it’s the weight of knowing you couldn’t save everyone. That feeling stays with you long after you leave.”
Paramedics, too, endure emotional distress.
A paramedic in Nyanga, who spoke on condition of anonymity, shared: “I have seen brain matter splattered, limbs severed—it’s gut-wrenching. Sometimes you save lives, but other times, despite your best efforts, people die. It stays with you.”
From a global perspective, studies have shown that first responders are at higher risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety compared to the general population.
According to a 2022 study published in the Science Direct, titled Psychological consequences of motor vehicle accidents: A systematic review, frequent exposure to traumatic incidents has long-term mental health implications, necessitating structured interventions like peer support programs and debriefing sessions.
False accusations compound this stress. “Some survivors, often in collusion with corrupt police, accuse us of stealing money at accident scenes. It’s devastating to face such claims while already grappling with trauma,” he added.
Community Members: The Silent First Responders
In rural areas like Nyanga, villagers often serve as the first responders.
They pull victims from wreckage, offer makeshift first aid, and endure the psychological weight of their experiences.
Takura Musonza, a villager from Headlands, lamented the delayed response times of emergency services.
“We only do what we can with what we have—like using T-shirts as bandages—but seeing so much blood and lifeless bodies is traumatising,” he said. “We need the police and ambulances to respond faster.”
Psychologist Ivy Mukombachoto emphasised the psychological toll on untrained responders.
“Witnessing severe injuries or fatalities without support can lead to long-term distress. Many suffer silently because mental health resources are scarce in rural areas,” she said.
The lack of mental health resources in Zimbabwe reflects broader systemic gaps, with rural areas particularly underserved.
Section 76 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution guarantees the right to health care, which includes mental health, but implementation remains weak.
The Case for Comprehensive Support
Zimbabwe lacks strong mental health frameworks for first responders.
Research highlights the importance of mental health interventions for those exposed to trauma.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine found that first responders were 30% more likely to develop PTSD than the general population.
Access to counselling and peer support significantly reduced this risk.
Research underlines the cumulative impact of trauma exposure, often leading to burnout, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation among first responders.
The stigma surrounding mental health further deters many from seeking help.
United Kingdom-based mental health expert Joyce Dube called for systemic changes.
“First responders need debriefing sessions and counselling to process their experiences. For rural communities, mobile mental health clinics and trauma-informed care workshops could make a world of difference,” she said.
Mcleo Mapfumo, communications and advocacy manager at EcoSafe Road Guardians Trust, echoed the need for holistic solutions. “Investing in community-based trauma response programs and equipping first responders with psychological first aid training is crucial. It’s not just about responding to accidents but also about supporting those who deal with their aftermath,” he said.
Addressing mental health also aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader economic goals.
The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) emphasises human capital development, while Vision 2030 seeks to establish an upper-middle-income economy.
A mentally strong workforce, including first responders, is crucial for achieving these targets.
Government and NGO Initiatives
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has acknowledged the psychological toll on first responders.
Minister Fellex Mhona said: “We recognise the potential psychological toll this work can take and are committed to supporting their mental health and well-being.”
He highlighted the “First Aid Responders Programme,” which aims to train first responders in both medical and psychological first aid. Partnerships with organisations like the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and Discovery Ambulances have introduced Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and peer support programs.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) also play a critical role. Trauma counselling, community-based peer support networks and mobile clinics are essential for mitigating the psychological burden on first responders.
Steps Forward
To address the psychological impact of road accidents, stakeholders must prioritise mental health support.
“The government should allocate funds for comprehensive mental health programs targeting both trained and untrained first responders,” said governance analyst Tanaka Mandizvidza.
NGOs can extend their reach by offering trauma counselling and training in psychological first aid for community members.
Integrating these interventions with Zimbabwe’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being—can increase their impact.
Equipping first responders with resources to manage trauma will also contribute to SDG 8 on decent work and SDG 10 on reduced inequalities by improving access to care in rural areas.
“Community training in psychological first aid and access to counsellors could help mitigate the lasting effects of these incidents,” said social commentator Lazarus Sauti.
The carnage on Zimbabwe’s roads leaves a trail of devastation that extends beyond the immediate victims.
Investing in mental health infrastructure and raising awareness will better equip Zimbabwe to heal from the unseen wounds of these tragedies.
