Psychological First Aid (PFA)

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What is Psychological First Aid (PFA)? PFA is a humane, supportive, and practical response to people suffering from a recent crisis event. It aims to reduce initial distress and foster adaptive functioning. Not therapy: PFA is not professional counseling or therapy. Not debriefing: It does not involve detailed discussion of the event. Not mandatory: It respects privacy and individual choices. Core Principles of PFA Safety: Help ensure immediate and ongoing safety. Calm: Help calm emotionally overwhelmed individuals. Connectedness: Help people connect with support networks. Self-efficacy: Help empower people to help themselves. Hope: Instill hope for recovery. The "Look, Listen, Link" Action Principles 1. Look Check for safety: Are people in immediate danger? Look for people with obvious urgent basic needs: e.g., food, water, shelter, medical attention. Look for people with serious distress reactions: e.g., panic, disorientation, immobility. Look for people at risk: e.g., children, elderly, disabled, isolated, those with pre-existing conditions. 2. Listen Make contact: Approach gently and respectfully. Introduce yourself: State your role. Ask about needs and concerns: "What do you need right now?" "How can I help?" Listen actively: Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues. Show empathy. Calm and comfort: Offer reassurance and practical help. Do NOT pressure people to talk. 3. Link Link to basic needs: Help access food, water, shelter, medical care. Link to information: Provide accurate and timely information about the situation and available services. Link to social support: Help connect with family, friends, and community networks. Link to coping strategies: Encourage healthy coping, e.g., rest, routine, meaningful activities. Link to further help: Refer to professional help if needed (e.g., medical, mental health, social services). Key Actions in PFA (8 Core Actions) Contact and Engagement: Approach in a non-intrusive, helpful manner. Safety and Comfort: Enhance immediate and ongoing safety, and provide physical and emotional comfort. Stabilization: Calm and orient emotionally overwhelmed individuals. Information Gathering: Identify immediate needs and concerns. Practical Assistance: Offer practical help to address immediate needs and concerns. Connection with Social Supports: Help establish brief or ongoing contact with primary support persons and other sources of support. Information on Coping: Provide information about stress reactions and coping. Linkage with Collaborative Services: Connect with available services and supports. Who Benefits from PFA? People recently exposed to a traumatic event. People who are distressed and need support. People who need help accessing basic services. Anyone in crisis, regardless of age or background. When NOT to use PFA? When immediate danger is still present. When someone is severely injured and needs urgent medical attention (prioritize medical). When someone is threatening self-harm or harm to others (refer to mental health emergency services). Communication Tips Speak calmly and clearly. Maintain appropriate eye contact (culturally sensitive). Be patient and non-judgmental. Respect silence. Avoid jargon. Do not make promises you cannot keep. Focus on the present. Self-Care for PFA Providers Providing PFA can be emotionally demanding. It's crucial to practice self-care: Take breaks. Stay hydrated and nourished. Connect with colleagues for support. Recognize your own stress signs. Seek support if needed. Flip Chart Ideas / Visual Cues Flip Chart 1: PFA - What is it? Psychological First Aid (PFA) Humane, Supportive, Practical Response GOAL: Reduce Distress, Foster Resilience ❌ NOT Therapy ❌ NOT Debriefing Flip Chart 2: The 3 L's of PFA PFA Action Principles LOOK Safety, Needs, Distress LISTEN Contact, Needs, Empathy LINK Services, Support, Coping Flip Chart 3: PFA - Do's and Don'ts PFA: Do's & Don'ts ✔ DO Offer practical help Listen actively Respect privacy Ensure safety ❌ DON'T Force talking Make false promises Share details Be judgmental Illustrative Images (Conceptual) Image 1: Helping Hand Support Care Image 2: Safe Space Safety Calm