The Worst Is Over: What to Say When Every Moment Counts--Verbal First Aid to Calm, Relieve Pain, Promote Healing, and Save Lives
What does one say to an injured person after calling 911?  According to therapist/crisis counselor Acosta and  therapist/consultant Prager, the magic words are "the worst is  over." Then one continues to administer what the authors call  "Verbal First Aid" soothing words that will promote psychic and  medical healing, even before the ambulance arrives. Verbal First  Aid, say the authors, arose from the needs of crisis and rescue  personnel, to whom they have taught their technique, and was  designed to complement medical care. Offered here are sample  scripts for a wide variety of situations for various populations  (e.g., children) and emergencies (e.g., car crashes, bleeding,  panic attacks, and childbirth). They also offer techniques such  as guided imagery to deal with nonemergency situations like  chronic illness, as well as suggestions for self-care for both  professional and nonprofessional caregivers. Though there is an  extensive bibliography, many statements are presented without  references to medical studies. The authors frequently refer to  their web site, www.theworstisover.com, as a source of more  information; however, at press time, it was little more than a  site from which to sell the book. Large public libraries may  want to purchase for self-help collections; otherwise, buy where  interest warrants. Martha E. Stone, Treadwell Lib., BostonCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.