Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed, humane, and supportive approach designed to help individuals immediately after experiencing distressing events, disasters, crises, or traumatic incidents. It is not professional psychotherapy nor a form of clinical counselling. Instead, it equips responders with the knowledge and skills to reduce immediate emotional distress, promote safety, encourage adaptive coping, and connect affected individuals with
appropriate support services.
People affected by emergencies often experience fear, confusion, grief, anxiety, hopelessness, or emotional shock. While many recover naturally with time and support, others may require immediate psychosocial assistance to stabilize their emotional well-being. Psychological First Aid serves as the first level of mental health and psychosocial support, helping individuals regain a sense of safety, calmness, dignity, and hope. The course introduces internationally recognized Psychological First Aid principles, including Look, Listen, and Link, while emphasizing ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, confidentiality, effective communication, self-care for responders, and referral pathways. Participants will engage in practical exercises, simulations, and case studies to build confidence in delivering Psychological First Aid across various settings such as schools, hospitals, communities, humanitarian emergencies, workplaces, and disaster response operation

By the end of this course, learners should be able to:

1. Define Psychological First Aid and explain its importance in mental health and psychosocial support.
2. Differentiate Psychological First Aid from counselling, psychotherapy, and psychological debriefing.
3. Identify common psychological and emotional reactions to crises and traumatic events.
4. Apply the internationally recognized "Look, Listen, and Link" model in emergency situations.
5. Demonstrate active listening, empathy, and supportive communication skills
6. Conduct rapid psychosocial assessments while respecting dignity and confidentiality.
7. Identify individuals who require urgent clinical intervention or specialized mental health services.
8. Apply ethical principles and professional boundaries in Psychological First Aid.
9. Promote resilience, coping strategies, and emotional stabilization among affected individuals.
10. Practice self-care strategies to prevent compassion fatigue and burnout.