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Psychological First Aid Training

Psychological first aid helps both children and adults in the aftermath of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. The approach reduces the anguish that follows such disasters, and teaches long and short-term coping mechanisms. The Psychological First Aid (PFA) model prevents cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders.

  1. Influences

    • This PFA model bases techniques and programs used at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration fund the Psychological First Aid program.

    Audience

    • Health-care professionals with roles is in disaster response benefit from psychological first aid. First responders, such as law enforcement and firefighters for example, and behavioral health professionals gain relative knowledge from the course. Business and community leaders also find the course relevant, as do many other individuals and groups. The PFA course is open to the general public, and everyone is welcome to the training sessions.

    Core Actions

    • Core actions of PFA include the following eight components:
      contact and engagement; safety and comfort; stabilization; information gathering; current needs and concerns; practical assistance; connection with social supports; information on coping; and linkage with collaborative services.

    PFA Settings

    • Psychological First Aid leads first-response individuals in the aftermath of disasters. The settings vary immensely, and may include hospitals, schools, homes, community centers, makeshift temporary housing camps and community centers. During instances of weapons of mass destruction, PFA may be used in mass casualty collection locations.

    Benefits to Victims

    • PFA emphasizes developmental and cultural diversity to prepare proper interventions for victims from all walks of life. Support includes teaching victims immediate physical and emotional coping mechanisms; establishing a human connection; and connecting survivors to support networks for long-term aid.

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