Trauma First Aid After a Mass Shooting

Information and support for people impacted by the Bondi Beach shooting and any mass violence & casualty event.

The mass shooting that occurred at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025 has affected many people in different ways.

This includes those who were present, witnessed events, were nearby, or have been impacted through family, friends, work, or community connection.

Witnessing violence can have a real impact on both mind and body.

This page offers general information and support, based on current trauma best practice. It is not therapy or medical advice, and it may not reflect every experience.

There is no right or wrong way to respond.

If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or at risk of harm, please seek immediate support.

Call 000 in an emergency.
Contact Lifeline 13 11 14, available 24 hours.
Attend your nearest emergency department if needed.

Free Resource: Trauma First Aid after a Mass Shooting

In response to the recent shooting in Sydney, we have created this free Trauma First Aid guide for people who have been impacted. This resource offers clear, evidence-informed information and practical support for the first days and weeks after mass violence. It is designed to help people understand common trauma responses, reduce overwhelm, and find appropriate support pathways. It is not therapy or medical advice, but a public education resource intended to be used in whatever way feels most helpful.

Common reactions after witnessing violence

After an event like this, many people notice changes in how they feel, think, or function. These reactions are common responses to threat and shock.

You might notice:

  • feeling numb, unreal, or detached

  • fear, sadness, anger, or guilt

  • being on edge or easily startled

  • disrupted sleep or vivid dreams

  • nausea, headaches, shaking, or exhaustion

  • difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • avoiding reminders of what happened

Some people feel intensely affected. Others feel very little. Both are valid responses.

What can help in the first few days

In the early days, the focus is on safety, steadiness, and basic care. You do not need to process or make sense of what happened yet.

Many people find it helpful to:

  • prioritise sleep, food, hydration, and warmth

  • spend time with people who feel calm and supportive

  • reduce demands and keep routines simple

  • limit news and social media exposure, especially repeated footage

  • take breaks from conversations that feel overwhelming

  • engage in grounding activities like walking, showering, or sitting quietly

Go gently. Small actions are enough for now.

What you do not need to do

There is a lot of pressure after traumatic events to respond in certain ways. It is important to know that:

  • you do not need to talk about the event unless you want to

  • you do not need to remember or recount details

  • you do not need to stay composed or positive

  • you do not need to compare your experience to others

For some people, being pushed to relive or analyse events too soon can increase distress rather than help.

Supporting children and young people

Children and teenagers often show stress differently from adults.

You might notice changes such as:

  • increased clinginess or separation anxiety

  • sleep disruption or nightmares

  • irritability, withdrawal, or behavioural changes

  • new fears or questions about safety

Helpful responses often include:

  • calm reassurance and a steady adult presence

  • simple, honest explanations suited to their age

  • maintaining routines where possible

  • letting them talk if they choose, without pressure

If concerns persist or escalate, professional support can be helpful.

When extra support may be helpful

It may be time to seek professional support if:

  • distress feels intense or continues to worsen

  • sleep is severely disrupted for several nights

  • you feel unsafe in yourself or disconnected from reality

  • everyday functioning becomes very difficult

  • previous trauma has been strongly reactivated

  • you witnessed serious injury or death

Effective trauma support is available, and early care can reduce longer-term impact.

A note from Progressive Therapeutic Collective

This page is offered as a community resource in response to a devastating event. It provides general information and support only. It does not replace therapy, medical care, or emergency services.

If you need individual support, reaching out to a qualified professional or trusted service is encouraged.

Our thoughts and care is with everyone impacted.