Police Officer and Chimp PTSD?

[DawnCt1]

Most of you will remember the vicious attack on Charla Nash by Travis the Chimp. This officer was in his vehicle when the chimp approached. I ripped of his mirror and attempted to open the door and get into the car. The officer shot the chimp. Since then he claimed PTSD and attempted to collect worker's compensation. Is this a justifiable claim? Should someone be able to collect worker's comp if they shoot a vicious dog? A rabid raccoon?

Conn. lawmakers fail to take up chimp attack bill

http://www.courant.com/news/local/statewire/hc-ap-ct-xgr-chimpanzeeattmay05,0,3220940.story
Associated Press

May 5, 2010



HARTFORD, Conn.
Time has run out for a bill that would have allowed police officers to seek workers' compensation coverage for emotional stress after using deadly force on a mammal.

The bill, which died on the final day of the legislative session Wednesday, stemmed from the police killing of a 200-pound pet chimpanzee that went on a rampage in Stamford last year and mauled Charla Nash, a friend of the chimp's owner.

The Stamford police officer who shot the animal appeared before a legislative committee in February and told lawmakers he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after the harrowing experience. His workers' compensation coverage was initially denied.

The bill passed the Senate 29-4 late last month. It ultimately died on the House calendar.

AP-ES-05-06-10 0111EDT

 

[OceanAnnie]

I don't know if it's a justifiable claim. I don't know enough about it. It was a bizarre case. I wonder what else the officer saw. Did he see the chimp attack Charla? Did he see her body and what was done to her? It was a horrific scene from what I read.

 

[bluesaturn]

Call me crazy but I think it's legit in theory. That 200 pound chimp could have killed him just as a 200 lb man could.

 

[CathrynRose]

I don't know if it's a justifiable claim. I don't know enough about it. It was a bizarre case. I wonder what else the officer saw. Did he see the chimp attack Charla? Did he see her body and what was done to her? It was a horrific scene from what I read.

I just saw this guy on Dr Oz this morning.

He did see the whole scene. From the details he went into, it was really, really, really bad. Not something I would want to deal with.

 

[dakcp2001]

I think coming upon that scene with what happened to that poor woman, he definately may be suffering from PTSD amongst other issues. If he shot the chimp, he saw the scene. He was there. I am sure there is a lot more to it than what you read in that one article. I would give him the benefit of the doubt in this case, since it was so awful. I could never be a police officer or even date or be married to one. They see a lot and deal with a lot and they risk their life each time they walk out the door. If he has stress, I totally understand that.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I just saw this guy on Dr Oz this morning.

He did see the whole scene. From the details he went into, it was really, really, really bad. Not something I would want to deal with.

He saw all of that, then he is dealing with a lot. Then for the Chimp to come after him? I'd say it's a safe bet he's got PTSD.

I saw a clip of Charla (on Oprah) after so many months of recovery. So terribly disfigured. Sad. Thankfully, she has no memory of the attack.

 

[DawnCt1]

Is it any different than coming upon a horrible murder scene, and confronting and shooting the killer? I don't know if that is covered, but perhaps it would be. I don't have an opinion one way or the other. This situation is so bizarre that I doubt the state of Ct. will be paying out similar claims, unless someone in the future argues for PTSD for the shooting of any mammal. Perhaps the word 'primate' might limit the number of future claims.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Dawn, in the example you said, yes, some people would suffer PTSD. No two people will react the same way. A dozen people could have the same experience, and maybe only one of them will develop PTSD. It does not make it any less valid. From what I've read, PTSD is not uncommon in police officers who respond to very intense crimes. I don't think they should limit compensation based on the situation. PTSD is a pscyhiatric diagnosis. If the officer is diagnosed with it, why should they deny it because it doesn't meet some cookie cutte circumstance?

 

[OceanAnnie]

Is it any different than coming upon a horrible murder scene, and confronting and shooting the killer? I don't know if that is covered, but perhaps it would be. I don't have an opinion one way or the other. This situation is so bizarre that I doubt the state of Ct. will be paying out similar claims, unless someone in the future argues for PTSD for the shooting of any mammal. Perhaps the word 'primate' might limit the number of future claims.

I don't know. To me it is. He wasn't trained to confront a murderous, frenzied, drug induced Chimp. The case is out of the norm.

I don't think the Chimp should have been allowed to be a pet in the first place, but that's for another thread.

 

[minkydog]

Absolutely he could have PTSD. If a large primate was stalking me i'd probably have it too. Who expects to encounter an enraged adult chimpanzee on the streets of America? I mean, this is the ultimate Monster.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have seen the follow up that retold the original story. Didn't know about his workman's comp claim--but to me, the events that unfolded with this chimp was far different than dealing with a vicious dog IMHO. Not to say that either one is incapable of causing PTSD.

But if he has PTSD--it is extremely debilitating.

Yes, if he is disabled by it or has had to pay out of pocket for treatment, then he should be covered by workman's comp.

Our servicemen and women are entitled to that in the military. Just b/c this poor man had to deal with a monkey on a rampage--doesn't make him less worthy to have his psychiatric care taken care of.

I would dare say that I find it incredibly--I can't even think of the word...

But let's just say--if you don't understand PTSD, you shouldn't judge folks who have it as though what they experienced was something minor.

Listen to the 911 calls. Listen to the story. Listen to the victim--listen to it all. It was absolutely horrifying.

If he has PTSD than yes, absolutely--as a public servant, he should be entitled to claim that if has been diagnosed for it.

ANd it should be noted--not everyone if in the same circumstance would suffer PTSD. Another person in the same circumstance can recover just fine.

I encourage you to actually research what it means to have PTSD before attempting to discern that he might not have it just b/c he was doing his job.

I encourage those lawmakers to do the same.

 

[TheZue]

I think the injuries she suffered and he witnessed would be enough to justify that claim. That was such a horrific case. I don't think any mammal would be justified, like hamsters...no. But even dogs could be awful. What if it was a pack of dogs that seriously disfigured a child? I gotta say if I had to deal with a scenario like that I'm not sure I wouldn't have serious issues. They really need to take these on a case by case basis and not set up arbitrary rules because there will be a bizarre exception. I really doubt anyone ever forsaw a 200 pound chimp who was well known in the community, high on perscription drugs and drunk, ripping a woman's hands and face off then coming after a cop when they decided what would and wouldn't be allowed the last time. I'm sure there will be other bizzare cases in the future none of us could dream of.

 

[Nolcrest]

I saw this officer on the Dr Oz show too. It was much more than just a chimp going after him and the chimp getting shot. This chimp opened up the officer's car door to get to him and was snarling at him and had his hairy arm on the officer ready to attack. It was horrifying to listen to the details. So, yes I believe PTSD is justified.

 

[Aisling]

As horrible as it was for him, he's a police officer that should expect to see gruesome things during his career. They see children squashed flat or in pieces from auto accidents, people burned black and charred, people with half of a body with their insides seeping out after jumping in front of a subway train...

I don't know, but where I'm from, half the police force (and fire force) should be on disability from PTSD because of their experiences.

 

[sjs314]

I think it is a justified claim, surely coming upon such a horrid scene then having to confront a huge chimp like Travis and pull the trigger knowing if you don't you too might be ripped to shreds. Police Officer or not, that was beyond and above what their training I am sure ever prepare them for.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

For some reason, some things will affect people more than others. Yes, police officers see some horrible things. Mental illness is not uncommon in those kinds of jobs because of it. Does that mean that we shouldn't take care of them when it happens?

Probably not the best analogy, but:

I used to be a performer for Disney. Your body is not made to be pounding the concrete with 5 lbs on each foot or weight on your body in weird ways from costumes. Most people end up with knee problems or other injuries from the stress. We know that is a possibility going into it. Does that mean that when performers incur injuries they should not get workman's comp for it?

 

[Luvchefmic]

As horrible as it was for him, he's a police officer that should expect to see gruesome things during his career. They see children squashed flat or in pieces from auto accidents, people burned black and charred, people with half of a body with their insides seeping out after jumping in front of a subway train...

I don't know, but where I'm from, half the police force (and fire force) should be on disability from PTSD because of their experiences.

Ah but Aisling PO / EMTs /Paramedics / Medical Examiners / Firefighters etc EXPECT to have to deal with these things (and Thank God some people CAN handle these things) and have ways to destress and talk things out among their peers...THIS circumstance how the heck could anyone prepare their mind to wrap around the scenario that this PO came upon ? no way is this covered in any classroom or training that anyone I know has ever had

 

[Sparx]

Its an ape. That alone is enough to freak someone out. A vicious ape that cannot be spoken to, communicated with, or reasoned with. It will kill you as soon as look at you. The average human isn't like that. I don't think many of us could see what that man saw, and be attacked the way he was attacked and be A-OK the next day.

Some people are more prone to anxiety disorders than others, but its incredibly gouache to question the sanity of others, with no background in the field.

Also, I'd rather him be on disability than be MY response officer and have a flashback and be unable to preform. How dangerous could that be!

 

[Aisling]

Ah but Aisling PO / EMTs /Paramedics / Medical Examiners / Firefighters etc EXPECT to have to deal with these things (and Thank God some people CAN handle these things) and have ways to destress and talk things out among their peers...THIS circumstance how the heck could anyone prepare their mind to wrap around the scenario that this PO came upon ? no way is this covered in any classroom or training that anyone I know has ever had

I'm sure you're right. I was just thinking of the many horrible stories I've heard about things POs have seen, but I admit I never heard anything like THIS before.

 

[CathrynRose]

What the man was saying on Dr Oz today, was pretty bad.

When he came up on the scene, he saw what he thought was a Gorilla. The Chimp was so pumped up, and appeared huge to him. Snarling - showing his fangs.

He saw the woman, whom he assumed was dead - until she started moaning and flailing her handless arms. But he could not get out of the car, as the chimp was raging towards him.

He shut his door, and did not think to lock it - as he didnt think this thing could get into his car. It did.

It opened the door, and came at him, with again, it's fangs snarling.