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.

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 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.

Sudden violent death: social workers’ strategies for coping with a traumatic event in a Bedouin community

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuzha Allassad Alhuzail ◽  
Merav Moshe Grodofsky
Keyword(s):  
Social Workers ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Violent Death ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Traumatic Death ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore challenges and coping strategies of social workers following the traumatic death of eight women from a Bedouin village in southern Israel. The data highlight how religion and indigenous Bedouin knowledge and customs both assisted and impeded the study participants’ strategies. The findings suggest that familiarity with religion and indigenous knowledge and customs may be useful to social workers in helping to manage traumatic events. However, the findings also suggest that religious and cultural values that encourage suppression of emotion may have long-term negative effects on social workers.

A Mixed Methods Study of Relationship Satisfaction in Parents of Children With Down Syndrome

2021 ◽  
pp. 0192513X2110598
Author(s):  
Kristen Krueger ◽  
Paige Alexander ◽  
Meghan Dyster ◽  
Robert Steele ◽  
Briana S. Nelson Goff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Children With Down Syndrome ◽  
Parental Relationship ◽  
And Coping

Much of the research on parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has focused on the negative effects on the couple relationship. The current study contributes to the understanding of parental relationship satisfaction in a sample of parents of children with Down syndrome (DS), through a mixed methods study that included data from a large national sample. Parents of children with DS were divided into two groups based on high and low relationship satisfaction scores, with quantitative and qualitative data analyses comparing these two groups. Results indicated differences between high relationship satisfaction and low relationship satisfaction groups on measures of hope, life satisfaction, and coping scores. Qualitative results also indicated group differences. Future research and implications for professionals working with parents of children with DS and other IDD diagnoses should include understanding the unique factors that affect interpersonal functioning.

scholarly journals Development of a psychological first-aid model in inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. e100292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenhong Cheng ◽  
Fang Zhang ◽  
Yingqi Hua ◽  
Zhi Yang ◽  
Jun Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Mental Health Workers ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
Face To Face

BackgroundFacing the social panic and substantial shortage of medical resources during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, providing psychological first-aid to inpatients is essential for their rehabilitation and the orderly operating of medical systems. However, the closed-ward environment and extreme shortage of onsite mental health workers have limited the use of traditional face-to-face diagnosis and psychological interventions.AimTo develop a mental health intervention model for inpatients that can be applied during a widespread epidemic, such as COVID-19.MethodsIn a medical team stationed in Leishenshan Hospital, Wuhan, China, we integrated onsite and online psychological support resources to implement a graded psychological intervention system. The onsite psychiatrist established trust with the patients and classified them into categories according to their symptom severity. While face-to-face evaluation and intervention are critical for effective online support, the online team effectively extended the scope of the ‘first-aid’ to all patients.ConclusionThis integrated onsite and online approach was effective and efficient in providing psychological interventions for inpatients during the crisis. Our model provides a realistic scheme for healthcare systems in or after the COVID-19 epidemic and also could be adopted in areas of the world with insufficient mental healthcare resources.

Psychological First Aid

2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josef I. Ruzek ◽  
Melissa J. Brymer ◽  
Anne K. Jacobs ◽  
Christopher M. Layne ◽  
Eric M. Vernberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Functioning ◽  
Developmentally Appropriate ◽  
Social Supports ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Psychological First Aid ◽  
Formal Evaluation ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Trauma Response ◽  
Disaster Trauma

Psychological First Aid (PFA) consists of a systematic set of helping actions aimed at reducing initial post-trauma distress and supporting short- and long-term adaptive functioning. Designed as an initial component of a comprehensive disaster/trauma response, PFA is constructed around eight core actions: contact and engagement, safety and comfort, stabilization, information gathering, practical assistance, connection with social supports, information on coping support, and linkage with collaborative services. PFA for children and adolescents focuses on these same core actions, with modifications to make them developmentally appropriate. Formal evaluation of the effectiveness of PFA is needed and it is hoped that development of a PFA Field Operations Guide will facilitate such evaluation.

Mental Health First Aid: A Useful Tool for School Nurses

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 361-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Atkins
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Mental Health First Aid ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Health Action

School nurses address mental health issues of youth on a daily basis. These mental health issues include substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Mental health first aid is a process that seeks to help medical professionals and laypeople recognize and address someone that is having a mental health or substance abuse crisis. This article will describe an experience with a student having suicidal ideations and how the mental health action plan was used.

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 Development of Chinese mental health first aid guidelines for assisting a person affected by a traumatic event: a Delphi expert consensus study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Wang ◽  
Wenjing Li ◽  
Shurong Lu ◽  
Anthony F. Jorm ◽  
Brian Oldenburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
English Language ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Expert Consensus ◽  
Mental Health First Aid ◽  
Chinese Translation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
English Speaking

Abstract Background People who experience traumatic events have an increased risk of developing a range of mental disorders. Appropriate early support from people in a person’s social network may help to prevent the onset of a mental disorder or minimize its severity. Mental health first aid guidelines for assisting people who have experienced traumatic events have been developed for high-income English-speaking countries. However, they may not be appropriate for use in China due to cultural and health care system differences. The aim of this study was to develop culturally appropriate guidelines for people providing mental health first aid to people affected by traumatic events in China. Methods A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted with two panels of experts in mainland China. Experts recruited to the panels included 32 professionals with expertise in the treatment of people affected by traumatic events and 31 people with lived experience of trauma or their carers. Panel members were sent a Chinese translation of the questionnaire used for developing English-language mental health first aid guidelines. This contained 168 items describing how to help people experiencing a potentially traumatic event. Panelists were asked to rate the importance of each statement for inclusion in the Chinese guidelines. They were also encouraged to suggest any additional statements that were not included in the original questionnaire. Statements were accepted for inclusion in the adapted guidelines if they were endorsed by at least 80% of each panel as very important or important. Results Consensus was achieved after three survey rounds on 134 statements for inclusion in the adapted guidelines for China, with 127 adopted from the guidelines for English-speaking countries and 7 new items from the comments of panelists. Conclusions While many of the statements are similar to the guidelines for English-speaking countries, the panelists adapted the guidelines to China’s context, including more detailed actions on how to discuss trauma and to help the person. These guidelines will be used to form the basis of a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course for China, aimed at educating the public in providing support and advice to a person who is experiencing a potentially traumatic event. Further research is needed to investigate the use of the guidelines by the Chinese public and the implementation of MHFA training in appropriate settings in China.

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