Ex-RUC man is honoured with an OBE
AN ex-RUC officer who became one of Europe's leading trauma consultants after surviving an IRA attack is to receive the OBE for his services to healthcare in Northern Ireland.
Dr Michael Charles Paterson was 24 when he lost both his arms and sustained serious leg injuries as the Land Rover he was travelling in through west Belfast in 1982 came under the terrorists' rocket-propelled grenade attack.
At the time, Mr Paterson had everything to live for and was only three weeks into married life.
However, that day was to change his life forever as he and two fellow RUC officers travelled through Suffolk.
The vehicle's driver was killed, Michael's arms were blown off and while the officer sitting in the back of the Land Rover survived the attack, "it affected him psychologically".
Mr Paterson, 51, does not minimise his struggle over the years.
"The RPG killed the driver, blew my arms off, burned its way through my door and exploded outside, fortunately for me.
"Seven people were arrested afterwards but from what I understand no one served time for it.
"It has been a hard time over the years and a struggle in terms of physical challenges. Then there was study done and expertise gained in coping with trauma."
The young Michael Paterson left school with two O levels.
"When I was injured I did not rate myself academically and the education system did not rate me either," he said. "But I saw a psychologist at the time and he did a few assessments and told me I had the intellectual ability to go through university."
He studied psychology at the University of Ulster and later did a doctorate in clinical psychology.
Now he helps people suffering the effects of post-traumatic stress and can use his own experience to help them.
"I have my own past experience and try and use it to help others I treat who have suffered trauma.
"After I lost my arms it was a trauma which became locked in the central nervous system. If I thought about it I had a tightening in the stomach."
His speciality is Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing (EDRM) therapy. He said through its use he was freed from his trauma and his stomach tightening and images of a severed arm disappeared.
"Then in 2002 I helped set up a clinic with a psychiatrist specialising in treating trauma and all sorts of other referrals including anxiety, depression, phobias and personality disorders among others.
"I am delighted to receive this honour. I feel it recognises the challenges I have overcome to develop my expertise in helping people ease their distress which holds them back from living a fulfilled life."
When asked how he now feels about his attackers, Mr Paterson said: "It is water under the bridge now and I have had to rebuild my life. Getting the OBE is a recognition of overcoming adversity, giving something back to humanity and helping other people overcome their trauma.
"Many years ago when I got my PhD I was asked if I forgave those who blew me up. I can say I have put the incident behind me and I have got on with my life. I have no real love for the ones who did it, they can live their lives and I live mine.”
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Monday 28 May 2012
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