Psychological First Aid (PFA) is the globally recommended training for supporting people during emergencies and offers guidance on delivering psychosocial care in the immediate aftermath of the emergency event.

On this course, you’ll explore the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and what you can do to help people cope.

The course will teach you the key principles of giving psychological first aid in emergencies.

This course has been produced by Public Health England and is based on international guidance from the World Health Organisation, United Nations and partners.

What topics will you cover?

• What is psychological first aid?
• How do emergencies impact mental health?
• The psychological first aid stages: Prepare, Look, Listen, Link
• Supporting yourself and your colleagues
• Example scenarios

Anyone can use this approach. The following is what you will need to use PFA:

• Be a good listener. An important part of PFA is identifying what help and support each person requires.
• Be well informed about the COVID-19 pandemic, so you can give people accurate information. It is important that people can trust you.
• Have the ability to encourage active coping by, for instance, helping people make decisions about the next steps they will take.
• Encourage and help people to connect with their loved ones, or community and spiritual supports. Be aware of people’s cultural preferences and needs, and adopt a non-judgemental approach.
• Know how to look after their own wellbeing and access support through friends, family, supervision or managers.