This training introduces participants to basic psychological first aid (PFA). The activities take between eight to nine hours and can be run in one long day OR over one-and-a-half days. It includes managing complex situations and reactions and guides helpers in self-care. It is suitable for all psychosocial staff and volunteers and others providing direct care and support to people in distress.
It aims to enable participants to:
• know more about reactions to distress
• know what psychological first aid is and what it is not
• understand the three action principles of ‘Look, Listen and Link’
• have practiced providing PFA to someone in distress
• have considered complex reactions and situations
• be aware of the importance of self-care when helping others.
This training module is one of four on psychological first aid, which accompanies a set of materials on PFA. These include an introductory book called A Guide to Psychological First Aid for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and a small booklet, A Short Introduction to Psychological First Aid for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
