A Las Vegas shooting victim from Santa Clarita is still dealing with both the physical and emotional impacts of the tragic event, and several experts from the world of psychology, disaster relief and law are talking about how victims in a similar situation can find healing.

For Castaic resident Gloria Aguirre, the trauma of the Oct. 1 massacre still lives on almost a month later.

Las Vegas shooting victims Gloria Aguirre and her boyfriend, Patrick Hobbs.

Not only does she still have considerable physical injuries ranging from a broken bone in her shoulder to fractures in her leg and hip from being trampled by panicked concert-goers after a fall in a stairwell, but Aguirre is also suffering from post traumatic stress.

Related: Las Vegas Shooting: Two More Santa Clarita Valley Victims Share Experiences

“You saw people getting shot next to you,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion. “You hear bullets whoosh right by your ears, and you turn around and that person is on the ground.”

Though Aguirre and her boyfriend, Patrick Hobbs, managed to escape the concert without being hit with gunfire, the intense fear of being shot at, and seeing others dropping all around them — including a woman who was shot in the chest while trying to hide directly in front of Aguirre underneath a utility trailer — traumatized them both.

Even after escaping the concert area, the couple recalled continuing to run for cover for blocks in fear that there might be other shooters, or explosive devices in place similar to the Boston Marathon incident.

Aguirre said she still has nightmares, and finds it difficult to share — and therefore relive — the traumatic experience.

Thousands of Santa Clarita residents at a candlelight vigil for local victims of the Las Vegas shooting.

During her interview with KHTS, the sound of a passing train triggered her trauma, prompting Hobbs to halt questions while he encouraged her to say the words, “We’re safe,” out loud as a coping strategy.

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For victims like Aguirre who are still suffering the psychological impacts of such a traumatic experience, Santa Clarita life coach Alex Urbina noted that though it may be difficult, seeking help from others is often key.

“It seems to be with most human beings that we have a belief that we’ve got to be strong and figure out our own solution,” Urbina said. “Sometimes when we really need help, we don’t think of reaching out to ask for the help that we need… Letting people help you is helping yourself.”

Urbina has been working with many Las Vegas shooting victims from Santa Clarita over the last few weeks, and partnered with fellow life coach and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist Sharon Brubaker to host a special edition radio segment on KHTS AM-1220 Wednesday offering guidance — and their services, free of charge — to those affected by the tragedy.

Santa Clarita resident Travis Phippen, whose father, John Phippen, was killed in the shooting.

In the field of law, Santa Clarita attorney Rick Patterson of the law firm Owen, Patterson & Owen in Valencia is seeking to represent shooting victims who were traumatized during the event, with several goals.

Related story: John Phippen’s Son Files Lawsuit Against Las Vegas Shooting Gunman’s Estate

Patterson strives to obtain financial assistance and necessary care for victims in the recovery process, to hold responsible those who may have been negligent during the incident, and to create change in legal policies regarding public security so such a tragedy never happens again.

“The people that we represent and others will represent, their lives are changed,” Patterson said. “Their lives are going forward without a father, going forward without a daughter, going forward without the ability to walk, going forward with multiple surgeries… Just the emotion of being under assault, being attacked as if you were in a war zone, that has long-lasting problems potentially emotionally and mentally. We refer to it as PTSD syndrome, and that’s going to be a real factor.”

One of many “Get Well” cards made for Santa Clarita victims of the Las Vegas shooting.

The nonprofit Santa Clarita Coalition has also partnered with a number of Las Vegas shooting victims from Santa Clarita to provide financial aid, emotional support and a variety of resources.

The Coalition’s founders encourage any local shooting victims in need of assistance of any kind to come forward to receive help.

Related: Las Vegas Shooting: ‘Get Well’ Cards Made For Santa Clarita Victims At Vigil This Week #SCV4Vegas

“We’re working with some of the victims to assist with their healing process through counseling and coaching. We also are collecting funds, and committed to giving 100 percent of those dedicated funds back to support the Santa Clarita victims of the Las Vegas shooting,” said Co-Founder Carl Goldman. “We recognize healing will take a long time, and we intend to continue to support each of them throughout the process.”

As an alternative to donating to the coalition, many Santa Clarita victims also have their own GoFundMe pages to help cover their recovery expenses, including Aguirre.

Rick Patterson is a founding partner at the Santa Clarita Law Firm of Owen Patterson Owen. He may be reached at (661) 799-3899 or opolaw.com. Alex Urbina is a Santa Clarita life coach who offers personal development coaching in both one-on-one and group settings. He may be reached at (661) 505-5021 or alexurbina.com. Sharon Brubaker is a life coach and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She may be reached at 661-212-0720 or sharonbrubaker.com.  

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