Course Description
Surviving the aftermath of a disaster is often just as frightening as living through the moments of uncertainty during the disaster. These types of catastrophic events can provoke a wide array of emotions not just in survivors but also in first responders.
This program will help you to better recognize and manage the basic symptoms of
psychological distress and give you the tools you need to apply basic Psychological First Aid to children, the elderly, the general population and yourself. Remember, as a first responder, your early contacts with disaster victims can help alleviate frightening emotions and provide a sense of hope and healing in a time of disarray. Psychological First Aid is an evidence-informed1 modular approach to help children, adolescents, adults, and families in the immediate aftermath of disaster and terrorism. Psychological First Aid is designed to reduce the initial distress caused by traumatic events and to foster short- and long-term adaptive functioning and coping. Principles and techniques of Psychological First Aid meet four basic standards. They are:
• Consistent with research evidence on risk and resilience following trauma.
• Applicable and practical in field settings.
• Appropriate for developmental levels across the lifespan.
• Culturally informed and delivered in a flexible manner.
• Psychological First Aid is supported by disaster mental health experts as the “acute intervention of choice” when responding to the psychosocial needs of children, adults and families affected by disaster and terrorism. At the time of this writing, this model requires systematic empirical support; however, because many of the components have been guided by research, there is consensus among experts that these components provide effective ways to help survivors manage post-disaster distress and adversities, and to identify those who may require additional services.
Course Content:
Psychological First Aid is a one-day training course comprised of:
• Overview of Psychological First Aid
• Preparing to Deliver Psychological First Aid
• Contact and Engagement
• Safety and Comfort
• Stabilization
• Information Gathering: Current Needs and Concerns
• Practical Assistance
• Connection with Social Supports
• Information on Coping
• Links worth Collaborative Services
Course Objectives:
• Identify the basic objectives and intervention strategies of Psychological First Aid.
• Appreciate the importance of providing Psychological First Aid in the aftermath of disasters
• Gain skills needed to train providers in the implementation of the intervention strategies of Psychological First Aid
• Facilitate exercises and role plays to enhance providers’ skills in delivering Psychological First Aid
• Guide PFA providers in applying Psychological First Aid in diverse settings and with different populations
• Identify ways to enhance provider care before, during and after disaster work.
Target Audience:
Psychological First Aid Training is designed for public health professionals and heath care professionals with disaster response roles. Community preparedness and response partners, especially first-responders (emergency management/EMS/fire/rescue/law enforcement personnel) and Behavioral health professionals will find this course particularly relevant. Also,
State and/or Local Public Health Workers
Bioterrorism Coordinators
EMS Professionals
Public Health Nurse
Emergency Management
Healthcare Professionals
Hospital Administrator/Management
Public Information Officer
Law Enforcement
Health Sciences Students
Business and Civic Leaders