Amy C O’Neill

Boston Marathon Bombing - 15.04.2013

For many runners, the prospect of taking part in one of the world’s most high profile distance racing events is a dream come true. For Amy O’Neill, a psychologist based in the wider Philadelphia area, the Boston Marathon proved the perfect venue to achieve such a goal. As she and the many other runners taking part approached the finish line, two bombs were detonated by Islamist extremists, causing shrapnel and explosive injuries to over 250 people. Three innocent civilians lost their lives in the bombing, and a Police Officer was later killed during the subsequent manhunt which ensued in pursuit of the two perpetrators over four days following the attack.

Amy recovered from her physical injuries, but the trauma of surviving such a horrific incident has afforded a unique perspective in her continuing work as a psychologist. Since her involvement, she has consistently fought to improve and share best practices in supporting people affected by terrorism and other mass casualty incidents, and regularly produces her own podcast, The Trauma Impact, discussing these issues. To listen to the podcast or learn more, click on the logo below.