We are all impacted by traumatic events in unique ways. Providing Psychological First Aid (PFA) involves applying a set of principles that encompass compassionate, supportive, and practical assistance to those experiencing serious crisis events.
Psychological first aid (PFA) parallels physical first aid in addressing the needs of individuals coping with stressful and traumatic events during crises and disaster situations.
PFA enjoys endorsement and recommendation from prominent international healthcare organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Institute of Medicine, the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Red Cross, and the American Psychiatric Association.
Key Questions to redress the harm trauma causes
If you’re offering support to someone in need, you’re already providing comfort and solace. It’s normal to have emotional reactions, and this presents an opportunity to validate those feelings.
Here are some additional ways to assist:
- Give choices – do they want you to stay or help them get some space?
- Tell them you’d like to keep in touch to see how they’re doing
- Did they know those involved, or did they remind them of a loved one?
- Listen out for guilt / self-blame
7 key components of Psychological First Aid
To reduce the initial distress caused by traumatic events, keep in mind to:
#1 Care for immediate needs
#2 Protect from other threats
#3 Support for practical tasks
#4 Provide information on coping strategies
#5 Foster connection and social support
#6 Provide information about the crisis
#7 Promote self-empowerment
BUILDING RESILIENCE: Read in this series
