Nairobi terrorist bombing: the personal experience of a mental health adviser.

This is a personal account of the author's involvement as an adviser in the wake of the Nairobi terrorist bombing in 1998. Much has been written in the literature about the problems for and reactions of first responders, emergency personnel and those who provide care for victims of trauma. Less is known about the role of the specialist adviser. The author describes the terrorist incident, how the Kenyans responded to it and his own role. He also highlights important learning points, dilemmas and challenges which an adviser might encounter.