Psychological first aid available following traumatic events
As Americans, we have seen our fair share of disasters. We have witnessed countless mass shootings in schools, theaters, clubs, and even concerts. Massive storms, floods, and wildfires have destroyed homes and upended lives.
Each of these cataclysmic events can cause psychological trauma. One way to subvert that trauma is through psychological first aid, or PFA.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and the National Center for PTSD jointly developed PFA, designing it to reduce the initial impact of stress while also providing coping skills.
But PFA is not psychotherapy, counseling, or treatment. Nor is it to be confused with Stress First Aid (SFA) or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
SFA was developed from a military resilience program applicable to high-risk occupations such as law enforcement, the military, or those in emergency healthcare.
MHFA specifically targets mental illness and substance use disorder.
Doctors Without Borders have used PFA in places like the war zones in Ukraine and the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in 2023.
The organization states that its aim is to stabilize the person, secure a safe place for that individual, obtain food, water, and shelter, and ensure that further support is in place.
One psychologist working in Ukraine noted the first step to assess who is psychologically impacted said, “We always pay attention to those who sit in silence, because it’s clear that this is a state of unresponsiveness which a person needs to be brought out of.”
According to the NCTSN, there are eight core standards of PFA: contact and engagement; safety and comfort; stabilization; information gathering on current needs and concerns; practical assistance; connections with social supports; information on coping; and linkage with collaborative services.
Sarah Gaer, MA, is a clinical mental health counselor, a suicide prevention specialist, mental health speaker and author. She also serves as chair of the Central Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention.
She is scheduled to present a PFA course for law enforcement personnel at the New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association in April. She said that PFA is not a stand-alone intervention, but it can help slow down the cascade into the mental health system.
“Now is as important a time as ever to have people in the community that can do this,” she said. “It does not fix the wound, but it slows down the bleeding.”
She noted that PFA is not just for immediate care. It can be used on the anniversary of a traumatic event or when someone seeks help months after the occurrence.
“Most people recover,” Gaer explained. “If they don’t, there are additional models of care. If they are really stuck, that is when you send them for treatment.”
Throughout New England, there are several organizations that offer PFA training. Boston University, Boston College and the Center for Multicultural Health offer courses, for example.
Northern Light CA Dean & Mayo Hospitals in Greenville, Maine provides PFA training as well.
Nicole DePhillips, a community health assistant at the latter location, said training is helpful for everyone who works in healthcare, from clerical and support staff to leaders, teachers, childcare providers, and law enforcement.
Courses this spring will be provided on April 7 and May 28.
And, as part of its First Aid courses, the American Red Cross includes aspects of PFA. Additionally, the National Center for PTSD has a six-hour online course.
Justin Chenette, senior director of public relations and advancement at Sweetser in Saco, Maine said they have not offered their PFA course since this past summer. However, there has been demand for their MHFA classes for both youth and adults.
“Typical participants include civic groups, colleges, businesses, teachers, and some first responders,” he said via email. “We are reaching quite a few people through the program, giving them the tools they need to identify, discuss, and connect individuals to support.”
More information about trauma response as well as suicide prevention can be found on Gaer’s website at www.sarahgaer.com.