On the 15th of March 2019 Staff and students at the School of Physiotherapy Clinic Christchurch went into lock-down during what is now referred to as the darkest day in New Zealand's history.
The March 15th Christchurch mosque terrorist attack took the lives of 50 people and left a further 50 wounded, thus becoming the deadliest mass shooting in New Zealand's history.
An unprecedented attack that left the nation reeling.
The staff and students of the Christchurch Clinic were left feeling helpless and uncertain whilst the scene unfolded around them and they grappled with the slow realisation of the enormity of the event. It is a day that none of us will ever forget.
"Never did I think I would be able to feel so vulnerable and unsafe in a place I refer to as my home. Soon after the attacks, the news started to filter through and we all realised the enormity of the situation. Being in the clinic… was very unnerving… which left everyone confused and rattled as we received information… that there may be a gunman close by (student)"
"…when we found out about the lockdown and the shooter …I was preoccupied with trying to keep [my patient] calm... I felt quite shocked…. I managed to reign in my emotions until… that evening… when I became very emotional about the whole ordeal (student)"
The team of staff and students in Christchurch together experienced a day like no other and we have worked together to process this, by being kind, caring, supportive and respectful towards one another. We decided to help our community in the best way we could. We offered physiotherapy and massage without charge to the police officers who have been risking their lives working around the clock to protect and defend us. We also have offered physiotherapy without charge to the Muslim community in their time of grieving and loss, as an acknowledgement of our deepest sympathy.
"The week of the 18th of March was one of the flattest, hardest and distressing weeks I have ever encountered. …constantly on edge… every siren triggered memories and fears (student)"
As a team, we have found that giving back to the community in this way has been a very cathartic experience. The conversations shared behind closed curtains and in confidence have been devastating and heart-warming and importantly, for all involved, a safe place to talk. In the two and a half weeks since that day, we have provided 79 physiotherapy sessions to the police alone.
"Providing the Police and Muslim community with [physiotherapy treatment]… has been a very rewarding experience as it feels as though we are able to help in our own wee way (student)"
"The small things we can do such as treating and caring for the Police and Muslim members of the community in the clinic go some way I feel toward helping them physically; and hearing their stories… [allowing] them to unburden themselves. It is the least we can do (staff member)"
Many of the officers we have provided treatment to have been from outside of the Christchurch area and even from the North Island, with no family or friends in Christchurch. The stress relief and care provided has been uplifting for those who are facing danger when they themselves are feeling isolated from their loved ones. This provided a sense of purpose for the clinic team and a sense of giving.
"Being able to provide this service has given us the opportunity to feel like we can make a difference and help out a group of people who have worked so bravely to make us feel safe and settled at such a trying time (student)"
The School of Physiotherapy also had students working in the public hospital at the time.
"Seeing Police officers outside of the hospital fully armed and carrying M4 rifles is a surreal experience that is hard to comprehend. On one hand you feel safe and comforted that they are there to protect you. Then you realise that we live in a country where the Police don't even carry handguns on their person, let alone a high powered weapon (student)"
"Once I found out that I was heading down to ED to help move the beds of some of the survivors I was very anxious. It felt amazing to be helping... after such a horrific incident (student)"
As a team, we took the time to humbly attend the Hui Whakapirirpiri at the University of Otago Christchurch campus and attend the call to prayer and two minutes of silence at Hagley Park.
"I feel a deep sadness about the massacre and feel at a loss of what to do - yet a desire to help the Muslim community and somehow alleviate their pain - which of course I can't (Staff member)"
For the physiotherapy students who were on clinical placement at the School's clinic during this time, it will be a placement that they will never forget.
"I don't know what to say… nor do [I] really know how to feel. What [I] do know is that it deeply affected everyone at a personal level. Those involved directly or indirectly…. It was all just surreal…. It felt distant…. I can picture the innocent faces that passed away… the thought that lingers deeply saddens me…. We've all been affected (student)"
Together with staff, the team are learning and realising how to go forward, as a community, together.
"For some, talking has helped relieve the pain … little gestures of togetherness spoke volumes. And this feeling of togetherness that [is] resonant throughout our community has helped transfer the energy of sadness to something greater to work towards accountability as a community [because of what happened on] 15th of March. What we need to do and where we need to go so this does not happen again (student)"
For Christchurch and the rest of New Zealand, the attack has been intimidating and enigmatic. The huge presence of armed officers in the streets has been unnerving but also settling and reassuring. We are very grateful and honoured to have played our small part in moving forward and healing as a community.
Contributed by - Dr Olivia Stone PhD BPhty APAMClinical Coordinator & Professional Practice Fellow
School of Physiotherapy Clinic Christchurch, University of Otago