primeros auxilios psicologicos oms,Understanding the Basics of Psychological First Aid

Understanding the Basics of Psychological First Aid

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a crucial component in the response to emergencies and disasters. It is designed to provide immediate support to individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed guidelines for PFA, which are widely recognized and utilized globally. In this article, we will delve into the details of PFA as outlined by the WHO, exploring its dimensions and applications.

What is Psychological First Aid?

PFA is a set of actions that can be taken to help people in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event. It aims to reduce the impact of the event on individuals’ mental health and well-being. The WHO defines PFA as “a public health approach that aims to reduce the psychological distress and functional impairment associated with exposure to traumatic events.”

Key Principles of PFA

The WHO has outlined several key principles that guide the implementation of PFA. These principles include:

• Empathy and Compassion: Show understanding and concern for the individual’s experiences and feelings.
• Stability and Safety: Help the individual feel safe and secure in their environment.
• Information: Provide accurate and relevant information about the situation and available resources.
• Connection: Help the individual reconnect with their support network and community.
• Self-Care: Encourage the individual to take care of themselves and seek support when needed.

Dimensions of Psychological First Aid

The WHO has identified several dimensions of PFA that are essential for its effective implementation. These dimensions include:

1. Assessment

Assessment is the first step in providing PFA. It involves gathering information about the individual’s experiences, needs, and resources. This can be done through open-ended questions, active listening, and observation. The goal of assessment is to understand the individual’s mental health status and identify areas where support is needed.

2. Stabilization

Stabilization involves taking actions to ensure the individual’s safety and well-being. This may include providing a safe environment, addressing immediate physical needs, and offering emotional support. Stabilization also involves helping the individual to cope with the immediate impact of the traumatic event.

3. Information

Information is crucial in PFA. It involves providing accurate and relevant information about the situation, available resources, and coping strategies. This helps the individual to understand the context of the event and feel more in control of their situation.

4. Connection

Connection is about helping the individual reconnect with their support network and community. This may involve identifying and connecting the individual with friends, family, and community resources. Connection also involves helping the individual to feel part of a larger community that is responding to the event.

5. Coping and Resilience

Coping and resilience focus on helping the individual develop strategies to cope with the long-term impact of the traumatic event. This may involve teaching coping skills, encouraging the individual to seek professional help if needed, and promoting resilience through community support and resources.

Table: Dimensions of Psychological First Aid

Applications of Psychological First Aid

PFA can be applied in various settings, including:

• Emergency Response: Providing immediate support to individuals affected by disasters, accidents, and other emergencies.
• Community Settings: Offering PFA training