Psychological First Aid

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This is an introduction to Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Workforce Resilience. This course will prepare participants to provide compassionate care and emotional support after a disaster strikes or when a public health emergency is declared.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This program is designed for individuals, who provide assistance in the aftermath of disaster, including:

• Physicians, especially psychiatrists.
• Psychologists and other mental health professionals.
• Human services personnel, health professionals, law enforcement, fire fighters, and emergency medical personnel.
• Individuals who may be called upon to work in a disaster setting, such as a healthcare facility, a family assistance center, or other disaster relief sites.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

After successfully completing this program, participants will understand:

• Identify the core components of PFA.
• Recognize the importance of PFA as a key mechanism for enhancing Workforce Resilience.
• Develop skills in recognizing situations in which PFA can and should be used.
• Practice PFA in scenario-based exercises to enhance skill building.
• Meet the basic needs of individuals who have survived or responded to a disaster or public health emergency.

COURSE STRUCTURE AND SCHEDULE

Segment	Duration	Activities
Introducing the Course	20 minutes	Course preview Participant introductions
Module 1: Providing Care, Compassion and Support	95 minutes	Module introduction preview; 3 movie excerpts, each followed by an exercise and reflection; Module summary review
Module 2: Reviewing the Core Components of Psychological First Aid	165 minutes	Module introduction preview; 7 movie excerpts, each followed by an exercise and reflection; Module summary review
Module 3: Recognizing the Challenges and Opportunities When Providing PFA	130 minutes	Module introduction preview; 5 movie excerpts, each followed by an exercise and reflection; Module summary review
Summarizing the Course	20 minutes	Course review Course evaluations