Understanding Psychological First Aid: Key Concepts and Practical Guidance

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed approach designed to reduce the initial distress caused by traumatic events and support both short-term and long-term adaptive functioning. Unlike counselling or therapy, PFA is an immediate supportive response delivered soon after a crisis.

        PFA is not therapy. It is the emotional equivalent of physical first aid—simple, supportive, and focused on safety and stabilisation.
    

💠 What is Psychological First Aid?

Psychological First Aid provides humane, supportive, and practical assistance to people affected by crisis events. These may include accidents, violence, natural disasters, medical emergencies, or sudden loss. The goal is to help individuals feel safe, connected, calm, and hopeful.

💠 Core Objectives of PFA

Ensure immediate safety and comfort
Support stabilisation when people feel overwhelmed
Identify needs and concerns
Promote calmness and coping
Connect people to social, practical, and professional supports
Reduce risk of long-term psychological distress

💠 Key Principles of Psychological First Aid

PFA is built on five core principles widely used across WHO, Red Cross, and trauma-response models:

Safety – Ensuring physical and emotional security
Calming – Helping reduce emotional distress
Self-efficacy – Empowering people to cope
Connectedness – Strengthening support systems
Hope – Instilling confidence and optimism

💠 The Basic Action Principles: Look, Listen, Link

1. LOOK – Observe the Situation

Check for safety before approaching
Assess urgent basic needs (medical, protection, shelter)
Identify people who are distressed or need help

2. LISTEN – Provide Comfort and Understanding

Approach respectfully and introduce yourself
Ask about needs and concerns
Listen actively without forcing conversation
Acknowledge feelings with empathy

3. LINK – Connect to Support and Services

Provide practical assistance (water, phone, information)
Explore coping strategies and strengths
Connect them with family, community, or professionals
Refer when there is a risk of harm or severe distress

💠 What PFA Is Not

Not counselling or therapy
Not critical incident debriefing
Not about pressuring someone to talk
Not asking intrusive questions
Not diagnosing mental health conditions
Not giving false promises (“Everything will be fine”)

💠 Practical Examples of Using PFA

Example 1: Road Accident Witness

Move person to safety (LOOK)
Talk calmly, introduce yourself, ask what they need (LISTEN)
Provide water, call family, arrange medical help (LINK)

Example 2: Student After a Sudden Loss

Ensure a quiet space for grounding
Listen to feelings without analysing
Help contact close friends or a support person
Encourage breaks, rest, and hydration

Example 3: Disaster Response (Flood/Earthquake)

Identify those who seem disoriented or crying
Provide warm blankets and reassurance
Connect them to relief teams, shelter, or medical care

💠 Who Can Provide Psychological First Aid?

Counsellors, social workers, psychologists
Teachers and school staff
Nurses, doctors, and paramedics
Volunteers and community workers
Anyone trained to offer basic emotional support

💠 When to Refer for Professional Help

Immediate referral is required when there is:

Suicidal thoughts or self-harm risk
Extreme panic or disorientation
Hallucinations or incoherent speech
Severe withdrawal or inability to function
Risk of harm from others or to others

💠 Summary Table

Concept	Description
Purpose	Reduce distress and promote immediate coping
Key Principles	Safety, Calming, Self-efficacy, Connectedness, Hope
Main Steps	Look → Listen → Link
What PFA Is Not	Not therapy, not interrogation, not debriefing
When to Refer	Suicidality, severe distress, risk or harm

💠 Key Takeaways

PFA is an essential first response in crises and emotionally overwhelming situations.
It is simple but powerful—focused on comfort, safety, and connection.
Anyone trained can provide it, not only mental health professionals.
Listening is more important than talking.
The goal is stabilisation, not treatment.