العربيةPsychological First Aid is a way to help people who are going through a tough time after something bad happens, like a disaster, a war, or a big loss. It helps people deal with their feelings and feel better quickly. Psychological first aid is not therapy; it is about giving comfort and support to people when they need it most (Brymer et al., 2006).
Why is Psychological First Aid gaining so much attention?
Many people around the world are currently facing difficult situations, like natural disasters, man-made wars, or health crises. These events can hurt people’s mental health, so there is a need for a fast way to help. Psychological first aid is becoming more popular because it is a simple and fast way to support people emotionally in the early stages after a crisis or traumatic event, before they can see a therapist or counselor (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2020).
Origins and Philosophy
Historical and Cultural Background of Psychological First Aid
Psychological first aid started after the disaster of 9/11 in the United States back in 2001, and then played a huge roll in the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia. It was found that people who needed help right away, not just with physical injuries but also with their emotional problems. Psychological fist aid was created to provide immediate support to people who are facing these difficult situations (Reyes et al., 2013).
Core Beliefs or Principles Driving the Practice
Psychological first aid is based on the idea that everyone reacts to bad things differently. It is not about trying to fix everything right away, but about providing safety and comfort. The goal is to help people feel heard and cared for, and to guide them toward getting more help if needed (Hobfoll et al., 2007).
How It Works
Explanation of the process or techniques involved
Psychological first aid is a process that starts by making sure the person is safe and feels comfortable. Then, it helps them express their feelings and offer support. Psychological first aid doesn’t try to solve deep problems or talk about everything that happened; instead, it focuses on helping people manage their emotions right after a traumatic event (Brymer et al., 2006).
Tools or settings used in the method
Psychological first aid is simple and doesn’t require special tools. It might involve using basic things like water, blankets or a comfortable space for people to relax. Sometimes, calming techniques like breathing exercises or gentle music are used to help the person feel better (Hobfoll et al., 2007).
Benefits and Evidence
How it can help mental or emotional health.
Psychological first aid helps people feel better after a crisis. It reduces stress, makes people feel less anxious, and helps them stay calm. Studies show that people who receive psychological first aid are less likely to experience long-term emotional problems like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2020).
Anecdotal and scientific evidence (if available).
Research and real-life stories both show that psychological first aid helps people after trauma. For example, after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, survivors who got psychological first aid felt more in control and calmer in the days following the disaster. They showed less emotional stress compared to those who didn’t receive psychological first aid (Hobfoll et al., 2007).
Anecdotal evidence supports this. In refugee camps, volunteers who gave psychological first aid to displaced people helped them feel safer and less anxious. One volunteer shared that just offering a space for people to talk and share their feelings helped them start to heal (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2020).
These examples show how psychological first aid can help people manage their emotions and feel supported right after a traumatic event.
Who It’s For
Types of people who might benefit from it.
Anyone who has been through a traumatic event can benefit from psychological first aid. Its especially helpful for people who are not able to get professional help immediately. PFA is used for people of all ages, from children to older adults (FEMA, 2018).
Situations or conditions it may be particularly suited for.
Psychological first aid is especially useful right after big events, like earthquakes, accidents, or sudden loss. It is helpful for people who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or scared but are not yet ready to talk in detail about their experiences (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2020).
Accessibility and Practical Tips
How to get started with this method.
To use psychological first aid, you can learn basic principles by taking a course. Many organizations, like the American Red Cross, offer free or low-cost training. The main skills are listening carefully, offering comfort, and guiding people to more help if needed (Brymer et al., 2006).
Tips for finding credible practitioners.
If you want to find someone trained in psychological first aid, look for professionals who have completed certified courses. You can find them through organisations like the American or British Psychological Associations (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2020).
Cautions and Considerations
Potential risks or challenges.
Although psychological first aid is generally safe, it can be risky if not done correctly. If the person giving psychological first aid is not trained, it could make the situation worse or cause more stress. Also, psychological first aid should not replace therapy if the person needs long-term support (Hobfoll et al., 2007).
What to watch out for when choosing a provider.
When choosing someone to provide psychological first aid, make sure they have proper training and experience, Its also important that they know when to refer people to a professional for further case if needed (Brymer et al., 2006).
About the author
This article is written by Sama Khair, with a Bachelors degree in Psychology, and then went on to obtain two Masters degrees, with a focus on war and psychiatry. As a Syrian with a background in psychology, I always felt a deep responsibility to use what I’ve learned to support my community. The articles I write were born from that drive. Its a way to make psychological knowledge more accessible, relevant, and compassionate for Syrians who have experienced trauma, loss, and displacement. Psychology can often feel distant or clinical, but my goal was to bring it closer to home, in order to speak our language, address our pain, and offer practical ways to understand and cope. These articles are just a small step in a much larger journey of healing and awareness.
References
Brymer, M. J., et al. (2006). Psychological First Aid: Field Operations Guide. National Center for PTSD.
FEMA. (2018). Psychological First Aid: A Guide for Disaster Responders. Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Hobfoll, S. E., et al. (2007). Five essential elements of immediate and mid-term mass trauma intervention: Empirical evidence. Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes, 70(4), 283-290. https://doi.org/10.1521/psyc.2007.70.4.283
National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2020). Psychological First Aid: Field Operations Guide.
Reyes, G. R., et al. (2013). Psychological First Aid: A review of the literature. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 15(1), 13-23.