Our student Lina:
“Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a research-based technique based on the idea of individual adaptability. PFA seeks to reduce stress symptoms and aid in healthy recovery from a traumatic incident, natural catastrophe, public health emergency, or simply a personal issue.
In my opinion, disasters and catastrophes can cause not only physical harm but also serious psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, it is necessary to provide psychological support to victims of such situations.
Before offering psychological help, first responders should evaluate a variety of issues. It is essential to gather at least basic catastrophe information and assess one’s readiness to provide PFA. It could be beneficial to collaborate with surrounding colleagues, relatives, or neighbors. When giving PFA, it is critical to listen to the person being supported and to provide them with basic comforts such as warm clothing or drink. It is critical to be respectful, not to force oneself on the person one is aiming to assist, to take on what the victim says and carefully consider what to say so as not to upset them further, and so on.
During the Psychological First Aid, personally I learned that by giving a caring, comfortable presence and instruction on common stress reactions, Psychological First Aid satisfies fundamental needs and lowers psychological suffering. It empowers the person by building on their strengths and encourages them to use their existing coping abilities. It also connects people to natural support networks and refers them to expert help when necessary.
Psychological First Aid is a tool that anybody may use to decrease stress. You may improve resilience in yourself, your family, your business, and your society by understanding your stress reactions and applying Psychological First Aid techniques.
To summarize, PFA is a technique that has the ability to significantly reduce psychological stress and PSTD in victims of severe catastrophes and other situations. While providing PFA, one must give comfort to the victim and act respectfully, without pushing oneself on the victim.”
