PFA Foundations
What is the primary goal of Psychological First Aid?
To reduce initial distress and support short- and long-term adaptive functioning.
How many Core Actions are there?
There are 8!
A survivor says, "I'm scared." Give one supportive response.
"That sounds frightening. I'm here with you. What would help you feel safer right now?"
A distressed survivor is pacing and speaking rapidly. What is a helpful first step?
Approach calmly if it is safe to do so, introduce yourself, attempt to stabilize/regulate, and ask about immediate needs.
True or false: Everyone exposed to a disaster needs psychological intervention.
False. Many people recover with time, practical assistance, and natural sources of support. Assistance should be based on individual needs.
Who can provide PFA?
Anyone who has been trained - regardless of professional background.
What is an example of how to initiate Contact and Engagement?
Hi - I'm ____ from _____. Is it ok if I sit and talk with you for a few minutes?
A person is crying and cannot find the words to explain what happened. What should you do?
Remain calm, offer a quiet presence, listen without pressure, and ask what they need.
A disaster survivor has limited English proficiency. What should you do?
Arrange qualified language assistance when possible, communicate respectfully, and avoid relying on children to interpret sensitive information.
A volunteer promises absolute confidentiality to a survivor in every situation. Is this appropriate?
No. The volunteer should explain applicable privacy limits and relevant safety, reporting, or legal obligations when necessary
True or false: PFA requires a person to tell you the details of their traumatic experience.
False. Never pressure someone to recount their experience.
What PFA action involves helping people access food, shelter, medical care, and other essentials?
Practical Assistance
A survivor asks a question you cannot answer. What is the best approach?
Be honest about what you know and do not know, and help the person locate reliable information.
A survivor says they cannot keep themselves safe. What is your next step?
Take the concern seriously, assess immediate danger within your role, and promptly connect the person with emergency or qualified crisis support. Follow organizational protocols and do not leave an imminent safety emergency unaddressed.
True or false: People should be encouraged to describe their trauma immediately to prevent future psychological problems.
False. Do not force disclosure or require people to recount traumatic experiences. PFA is not compulsory psychological debriefing.
PFA is a substitute for formal mental health treatment. True or false?
False. PFA is not psychotherapy and does not replace needed clinical care.
What PFA action connects survivors with family, friends, and other sources of support?
Connection with Social Supports
A person declines your offer of help. What should you do?
Respect their choice, explain available options, and leave the door open for further assistance, provided there is no immediate safety emergency requiring action.
After a community emergency, a resident becomes angry and begins yelling at relief workers, stating that nobody is helping and that officials have abandoned the community. The resident is upset but is not making threats. How should a PFA provider respond?
Remain calm and avoid becoming defensive or argumentative.
Acknowledge the resident's frustration without necessarily agreeing with every statement.
Ask about the person's most urgent needs and concerns.
Provide accurate information about available assistance, including any limitations or delays.
Help connect the resident with appropriate resources while maintaining professional boundaries and monitoring safety.
A helper begins feeling overwhelmed while supporting survivors. What should they do?
Use supervision and peer support, take appropriate breaks, maintain boundaries, and seek help when needed.
Where can PFA be provided?
Anywhere - even virtual settings!
What are 2 ways to promote the Core Action of Safety and Comfort?
Attend to physical comfort with water, food, tissues, chairs, temperature adjustments
Answer questions with simple, accurate information about what they can expect
A survivor feels ashamed about their emotional reaction. What can you say without minimizing their distress?
Reassure them that strong reactions can occur after frightening events, while acknowledging that everyone's experience is different.
ollowing a traumatic workplace incident, an employee appears detached and confused. They stare blankly, respond slowly when spoken to, and seem unsure what to do next. They are physically safe but having difficulty processing information. How should you respond using Psychological First Aid principles?
Approach calmly, introduce yourself, and explain who you are.
Use short, simple sentences and ask one question at a time.
Help the person orient to their immediate surroundings without overwhelming them.
Ask about immediate needs, such as contacting a trusted person, finding a quiet space, or obtaining medical assistance.
If confusion persists, worsens, or raises concern for a medical problem, seek appropriate medical evaluation.
A Psychological First Aid provider recognizes a survivor from their community and wants to share the survivor’s story with colleagues to help them understand the impact of the disaster. The provider does not use the survivor’s name. Is this ethically appropriate?
Not necessarily. Removing a person's name does not guarantee confidentiality, especially in a small community where identifying details may make the person recognizable. The provider should protect the survivor’s privacy, share only information necessary for legitimate professional purposes, and follow applicable confidentiality requirements and organizational policies.