Who is considered the second victim in a critical incident?

In the context of critical incidents in healthcare, the term "second victim" is commonly used to refer specifically to the healthcare worker who is directly involved in the incident. This designation recognizes that these workers often experience significant emotional distress and psychological impact as a result of the event, in addition to any physical implications. Being involved in such incidents can lead to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and self-doubt, affecting both their professional and personal lives.

This concept highlights the importance of mental health support for healthcare providers, who can face a range of emotional challenges after an incident. Recognizing the healthcare worker as the second victim emphasizes the need for comprehensive support systems within healthcare environments to assist those affected in coping with their experiences and to encourage their healing and continuing professional development.

The other choices, while they may also experience some level of impact, do not fall under the established definition of "second victim" in this specific context. The general public and the future patients are not directly involved in the incident, and while the patient's family may face emotional trauma, their designation differs from that of the healthcare worker who was directly involved.