scholarly journals Adherence to Psychological First Aid after Exposure to a Traumatic Event at Work among EMS Workers: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11026
Author(s):  
Marine Tessier ◽  
Josianne Lamothe ◽  
Steve Geoffrion
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Support ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
First Responders ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Stress Reactions ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
First Responder ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
Peer Helpers

Managing post-traumatic stress reactions in the first few days after exposure to a potentially traumatic event in the course of one’s work remains a challenge for first responder organizations such as Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed approach to reducing initial distress and promoting short- and long-term coping strategies among staff in the aftermath of exposure. PFA provided by peer helpers is considered a promising solution for first responder organizations. Unfortunately, first responders may encounter stigma and barriers to mental health care. Therefore, a deeper investigation is needed regarding adherence over time to implemented PFA intervention. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore factors that influence adherence to PFA intervention of recipients and peer helpers. EMS workers (n = 11), working as PFA peer helpers for one year, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis; intercoder reliability (κ = 0.91) was also used. Researchers identified four themes and 11 subthemes influencing adherence to PFA intervention: (1) individual perceptions and attitudes of peer helpers and recipients about pfa intervention; (2) perceived impacts on peer helpers and recipients; (3) organizational support to pfa intervention; and (4) congruence with the occupational culture. Study findings herein suggest that it is conceivable to act on various factors to improve adherence to PFA intervention among peer helpers and recipients within EMS organization. This could lead to enhanced understanding of the challenges involved in sustaining a peer led PFA program for first responders.

First responders and psychological first aid

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan Pekevski, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
First Responders ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
And Coping

Emergencies and disasters are common and occur on a daily basis. Although most survivors will not experience any long-term negative mental health effects, some will. First responders tend to have first contact with the survivors and, therefore, are in a position to provide needed mental health assistance to survivors. Psychological first aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed approach to providing support to survivors following a serious crisis event, and it aims to reduce the initial distress of the traumatic event and to promote adaptive functioning and coping. PFA has gained a great deal of attention lately, likely due to the fact that it is easy to provide. This article discusses the potential negative effects of emergencies and disasters on mental health, provides a description of PFA and discusses its application, and provides an overview of the research base of PFA and a discussion on the need for future research.

scholarly journals A Rapid Realist Review of Group Psychological First Aid for Humanitarian Workers and Volunteers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1452
Author(s):  
Julia Corey ◽  
Frédérique Vallières ◽  
Timothy Frawley ◽  
Aoife De Brún ◽  
Sarah Davidson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Realist Review ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
Rapid Realist Review

Humanitarian workers are at an elevated risk of occupational trauma exposure and its associated psychological consequences, and experience increased levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the general population. Psychological first aid (PFA) aims to prevent acute distress reactions from developing into long-term distress by instilling feelings of safety, calmness, self- and community efficacy, connectedness and hope. Group PFA (GPFA) delivers PFA in a group or team setting. This research sought to understand ‘What works, for whom, in what context, and why for group psychological first aid for humanitarian workers, including volunteers?’ A rapid realist review (RRR) was conducted. Initial theories were generated to answer the question and were subsequently refined based on 15 documents identified through a systematic search of databases and grey literature, in addition to the inputs from a core reference panel and two external experts in GPFA. The findings generated seven programme theories that addressed the research question and offered consideration for the implementation of GPFA for the humanitarian workforce across contexts and age groups. GPFA enables individuals to understand their natural reactions, develop adaptive coping strategies, and build social connections that promote a sense of belonging and security. The integrated design of GPFA ensures that individuals are linked to additional supports and have their basic needs addressed. While the evidence is sparce on GPFA, its ability to provide support to humanitarian workers is promising.

Application and Integration of Psychological First Aid in First Responder Organizations

2021 ◽  
pp. 813-837
Author(s):  
Emily F. Brucia ◽  
Matthew J. Cordova ◽  
Angelique Finestone ◽  
Josef I. Ruzek
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Early Interventions ◽  
Trauma Recovery ◽  
First Responder ◽  
Critical Incident Stress Management ◽  
Critical Incident Stress ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
Stress Debriefing

First responders are exposed to many potentially traumatic events throughout their careers. Given the risk of adverse mental and physical health outcomes secondary to frequent trauma exposure, access to culturally-sensitive, evidence-informed early intervention is paramount. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and components therein (e.g., Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, peer support) represent the most commonly utilized early interventions within first responder organizations. Limited research has evaluated these models, and evaluation of early interventions presents many challenges due to characteristics of first responder cultures and organizational demands and constraints. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a widely endorsed and promising evidence-informed early intervention model grounded in research on trauma recovery and resilience. This chapter examines the theoretical underpinnings and core actions of PFA and describes the potentially diverse applications of PFA within first responder organizations and concludes by discussing recommendations and future directions.

The Effectiveness of Psychological First Aid as a Disaster Intervention Tool: Research Analysis of Peer-Reviewed Literature From 1990-2010

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey H. Fox ◽  
Frederick M. Burkle ◽  
Judith Bass ◽  
Francesco A. Pia ◽  
Jonathan L. Epstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Expert Opinion ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Advisory Council ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Mental Health Training ◽  
Health Training ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
Professional Mental Health

ABSTRACTObjective: The Advisory Council of the American Red Cross Disaster Services requested that an independent study determine whether first-aid providers without professional mental health training, when confronted with people who have experienced a traumatic event, offer a “safe, effective and feasible intervention.”Methods: Standard databases were searched by an expert panel from 1990 to September 2010 using the keyword phrase “psychological first aid.” Documents were included if the process was referred to as care provided to victims, first responders, or volunteers and excluded if it was not associated with a disaster or mass casualty event, or was used after individual nondisaster traumas such as rape and murder. This search yielded 58 citations.Results: It was determined that adequate scientific evidence for psychological first aid is lacking but widely supported by expert opinion and rational conjecture. No controlled studies were found. There is insufficient evidence supporting a treatment standard or a treatment guideline.Conclusion: Sufficient evidence for psychological first aid is widely supported by available objective observations and expert opinion and best fits the category of “evidence informed” but without proof of effectiveness. An intervention provided by volunteers without professional mental health training for people who have experienced a traumatic event offers an acceptable option. Further outcome research is recommended.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:247–252)

scholarly journals Psychological First Aid: Experience of International Organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 36-41
Author(s):  
Yaryna Kaplunenko
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stress ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
First Aid ◽  
International Medical ◽  
World Health ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
The Impact

The turbulent shocks of recent decades—man-made and natural disasters, political instability, pandemics, and military conflicts—highlight the need for psychosocial support for victims. To plan and train those who can provide it, a number of guidelines have been developed at the global and national levels, within international medical organizations that can minimize the impact of the crisis and start the recovery process. The article presents the definition of the concept of Psychological First Aid (PFA), describes the key aspects, structure, time limits, and principles of activity; a description of three leading models of first psychological assistance in the context of international medical organizations: the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF), and the Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health Preparedness, USA. The RAPID model of first aid and key competencies for psychosocial workers involved in helping victims are described. The principles and techniques of PFA meet four basic standards: they are based on the results of research of risks and resilience after injury; they are practical and suitable for use in the “field”; they meet the age characteristics of development; they take into account cultural differences. The chronogram of mental reactions to a stressful event and the provision of PFA to victims within international medical organizations is divided into four phases which should be taken into account in the organization of psychosocial support. The RAPID model is based on five aspects designed to alleviate acute stress: Rapport and Reflective listening; Assessment of needs; Prioritization; Intervention; Disposition. If control over bodily reactions, emotions, and thoughts in the victims are restored, the narrative of the event is completed and accompanied by appropriate reactions, emotions are accepted, self-esteem and self-confidence are restored, and a sense of the future appears, we can say that the person has successfully adapted to the traumatic event and is ready to move on.

scholarly journals The Effects of Stress on Tourniquet Application and CPR Performance in Layperson and Professional Civilian Populations

2021 ◽  
pp. 001872082110212
Author(s):  
Marc Friberg ◽  
Carl-Oscar Jonson ◽  
Victor Jaeger ◽  
Erik Prytz
Keyword(s):  
First Responders ◽  
Physical Exertion ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Experimental Manipulation ◽  
Task Engagement ◽  
Bleeding Control ◽  
Stress Reactions ◽  
Application Performance ◽  
Performance Effects ◽  
Life Threatening

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare laypeople’s and professional first responders’ ability to perform tourniquet application and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during calm and stressful circumstances. Background Life-threatening bleeding is a major cause of death that could be prevented by fast and appropriate first aid interventions. Therefore, laypeople are now being trained in bleeding control skills, transforming them from bystanders to immediate responders. However, critics have questioned whether laypeople are able to perform during more stressful conditions. Method Twenty-four laypersons and 31 professional first responders were tested in two conditions: a calm classroom scenario and a stressful scenario consisting of paintball fire and physical exertion. Stress and workload were assessed along with task performance. Results The experimental manipulation was successful in terms of eliciting stress reactions. Tourniquet application performance did not decline in the stressful condition, but some aspects of CPR performance did for both groups. First responders experienced higher task engagement and lower distress, worry and workload than the laypeople in both the calm and stressful conditions. Conclusion Stress did not affect first responders and laypeople differently in terms of performance effects. Stress should therefore not be considered a major obstacle for teaching bleeding control skills to laypeople. Application Tourniquet application can be taught to laypeople in a short amount of time, and they can perform this skill during stress in controlled settings. Concerns about laypeople’s ability to perform under stress should not exclude bleeding control skills from first aid courses for civilian laypeople.

scholarly journals COVID-Well Study: Qualitative Evaluation of Supported Wellbeing Centres and Psychological First Aid for Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly Blake ◽  
Alisha Gupta ◽  
Mahnoor Javed ◽  
Ben Wood ◽  
Steph Knowles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
The Uk

Supported wellbeing centres were set up in UK hospital trusts as an early intervention aimed at mitigating the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers. These provided high quality rest spaces with peer-to-peer psychological support provided by National Health Service (NHS) staff volunteers called ‘wellbeing buddies’, trained in psychological first aid. The aim of the study was to explore the views of centre visitors and operational staff towards this COVID-19 workforce wellbeing provision. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken with twenty-four (20F, 4M) employees from an acute hospital trust in the UK. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed, data were handled and analysed using thematic analysis. Interviews generated 3 over-arching themes, and 13 sub-themes covering ‘exposure and job roles’, ‘emotional impacts of COVID-19 and ‘the wellbeing centres’. Supported wellbeing centres were viewed as critical for the wellbeing of hospital employees during the first surge of COVID-19 in the UK. Wellbeing initiatives require managerial advocacy and must be inclusive. Job-related barriers to work breaks and accessing staff wellbeing provisions should be addressed. High quality rest spaces and access to peer-to-peer support are seen to benefit individuals, teams, organisations and care quality. Training NHS staff in psychological first aid is a useful approach to supporting the wellbeing of the NHS workforce during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals COVID-Well Study: Qualitative Evaluation of Supported Wellbeing Centres and Psychological First Aid for Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3626
Author(s):  
Holly Blake ◽  
Alisha Gupta ◽  
Mahnoor Javed ◽  
Ben Wood ◽  
Steph Knowles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
The Uk

Supported wellbeing centres were set up in UK hospital trusts as an early intervention aimed at mitigating the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers. These provided high quality rest spaces with peer-to-peer psychological support provided by National Health Service (NHS) staff volunteers called ‘wellbeing buddies’, trained in psychological first aid. The aim of the study was to explore the views of centre visitors and operational staff towards this COVID-19 workforce wellbeing provision. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken with twenty-four (20F, 4M) employees from an acute hospital trust in the UK. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed, data were handled and analysed using thematic analysis. Interviews generated 3 over-arching themes, and 13 sub-themes covering ‘exposure and job roles’, ‘emotional impacts of COVID-19 and ‘the wellbeing centres’. Supported wellbeing centres were viewed as critical for the wellbeing of hospital employees during the first surge of COVID-19 in the UK. Wellbeing initiatives require managerial advocacy and must be inclusive. Job-related barriers to work breaks and accessing staff wellbeing provisions should be addressed. High quality rest spaces and access to peer-to-peer support are seen to benefit individuals, teams, organisations and care quality. Training NHS staff in psychological first aid is a useful approach to supporting the wellbeing of the NHS workforce during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals A Case of Acute Stress in Post-hypnotized Patient

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (T3) ◽  
pp. 13-15
Author(s):  
Cut Rika Pratiwi ◽  
Elmeida Effendy ◽  
Muhammad Surya Husada
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Human Mind ◽  
Stress Reactions ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
High Level

Background: Mental health conditions that can occur immediately after a traumatic event is called acute stress reaction; in this case, happens after hypnosis. This can cause a variety of psychological symptoms without attention or treatment, causesost-traumatic stress disorder. The psychological symptoms can negatively affect the quality of life, especially the reactions arise after a traumatic event that after being hypnotized. Hypnosis works by changing the activity in brain regions associated with attention or alertness. At the time hypnotised, we saw a very high level of concentration, so that suggestions given to him will be more easily accepted. Case Report: The case presented is the hypnotic impact of acute stress reactions. A woman named Mrs. J 63 years old. The Karo tribe who experienced anxiety, fear, and difficulty sleeping after experiencing hypnosis four days ago. This experienced it after being hypnotized at home. Conclusion: Hypnosis plays a role in all parts of life involving human mind. Hypnosis is a science that exploits the potential mental and hidden in humans, known as the subconscious. in medical health, hypnosis therapy is very important, what we need to realize is that hypnosis with bad intentions can harm humans. Hypnosis incident was reported in patients who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. found in many women. older women are more vulnerable to acute stress. Previous research has shown that hypnotic susceptibility correlated with personality traits.

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