Psychological first aid

Overview

This manual is designed to orient helpers to offer psychological first aid (PFA) to people following a serious crisis event. PFA involves humane, supportive and practical assistance for people who are distressed, in ways that respect their dignity, culture and abilities. This facilitator’s manual is to be used together with the Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers (World Health Organization, War Trauma Foundation, World Vision International, 2011).

The manual is structured in three parts:

1) Overview of the manual

This section provides general information about how to use this manual, how to prepare for giving an orientation, and tips for facilitators.

2) Step-by-step orientation

This section provides a half-day orientation agenda and a step-by-step description of each module, including learning objectives, narrative and tips for the facilitator, accompanying slides, and instructions for group exercises and discussion.

3) Supporting materials

This section of annexes provides supporting materials to print as handouts for participants.