How Psychological First Aid Supports People After Crisis

In the wake of a disaster whether it’s a natural catastrophe, a mass shooting, or a global pandemic physical safety is often the first concern. But emotional well-being is just as critical. Psychological first aid (PFA) is a supportive, compassionate, and flexible method to help individuals process trauma and begin healing right from the moment crisis strikes.

And here’s the empowering part you don’t have to be a therapist to provide it.

What Is Psychological First Aid?

Psychological first aid is a structured approach to help people cope with immediate emotional distress after a traumatic event. Its goal isn’t to diagnose or treat mental illness it’s about creating a sense of safety, calm, and support in the chaos of crisis.

Anyone can learn to offer PFA, including first responders, teachers, volunteers, or even concerned neighbors. The method is built around eight core actions that guide how to engage with someone who’s experienced trauma:

• Contact and engagement: Make compassionate, respectful contact.

• Safety and comfort: Help meet physical and emotional needs.

• Stabilization: Support individuals who are emotionally overwhelmed.

• Information gathering: Learn what someone needs to tailor support.

• Practical assistance: Offer real-world solutions food, shelter, etc.

• Connection with supports: Encourage reconnection with family, friends, or community.

• Information on coping: Normalize stress responses and offer healthy coping tips.

• Linking to services: Connect survivors to professional resources if needed.

A Skill Born of Real-Life Crises

Though the concept of PFA dates back to the mid-20th century, it became a key strategy in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2001, the National Institute of Mental Health convened experts to find effective early interventions for trauma. The result? PFA rose to the forefront as a scalable, non-invasive way to help people in crisis without retraumatizing them.

Since then, it’s been used globally after natural disasters, war, disease outbreaks, and violent events.

When and Where It’s Used

PFA can be applied in any situation involving trauma or mass disruption, including:

• Natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes)

• War or displacement

• Terrorist attacks

• Disease outbreaks

• Violent assaults or robbery

Reactions to trauma are varied but often include confusion, fear, grief, shock, guilt, insomnia, and physical pain. By reducing stress in the moment, PFA helps people cope more effectively later on.

Who Provides Psychological First Aid?

While it’s a common tool for:

• First responders

• Healthcare workers

• School crisis teams

• Disaster relief staff

...it’s not exclusive to professionals. Anyone can be trained in the basics through accessible programs, including those offered by the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization.

The Five Goals of PFA

In practice, psychological first aid focuses on five foundational goals, often referred to as the "Five Ps":

1. Promote safety: Ensure the person has access to basic needs like food, water, and shelter.

2. Promote calm: Offer presence and a listening ear don’t push them to talk.

3. Promote connection: Help reunite them with loved ones or support systems.

4. Promote hope: Gently remind them that help is available and recovery is possible.

5. Promote self-empowerment: Encourage small, manageable steps that support autonomy and healing.

What PFA Is Not

It’s important to understand that PFA is not:

• A substitute for therapy

• A debriefing or forced retelling of traumatic events

• A one-size-fits-all approach

• A time to make judgments or offer clichés like “at least you survived”

Instead, it’s about listening without pressure, offering comfort without advice, and showing up in a calm, supportive, and nonjudgmental way.

Is Psychological First Aid Effective?

Research on PFA is ongoing. A 2022 review of 12 studies found that PFA may help reduce anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and emotional distress. Participants also reported improved feelings of connectedness and control.

However, only one study was a randomized controlled trial the gold standard in research so more studies are needed. That said, PFA remains an evidence-informed practice built on decades of trauma science and real-world experience.

How You Can Learn PFA

You don’t need a background in psychology to be helpful after a disaster. PFA training is available through:

• The American Red Cross

• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

• The World Health Organization

• Local community mental health organizations

Courses typically cover trauma-informed communication, crisis response techniques, and how to offer help without harm.

Final Thoughts

Psychological first aid offers something we all need in times of crisis compassion, connection, and calm. While it’s not a replacement for therapy, it’s a valuable tool for reducing immediate stress and empowering people to begin healing.

Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or community volunteer, learning PFA could make a life-changing difference for someone navigating trauma.

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