The objective of psychological first aid is to calm the person down and to give comfort and support.
How can you tell if a person is in need of psychological first aid?
A sudden traumatic event can cause a person to go into shock, which is a state of feeling like time has stopped, numbness and detachment from reality. Shock can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as an accelerated pulse rate, sweating, trembling, shaking or rapid breathing. The person may have trouble thinking clearly and processing what has happened.
Accidents and emergencies cause not just physical injuries but also psychological trauma. Psychological first aid is designed to help the affected person and their loved ones to move forward after a traumatic event or an unexpected crisis that has shaken their sense of safety. By staying calm yourself, you can help the person to regain their sense of safety.
Psychological crises can be brought on by, for example, a serious illness or injury, the death of a loved one, an accident or being a victim of a crime.
How to administer psychological first aid:
Many people overcome traumatic events on their own or with the support of their loved ones. Family, friends and colleagues play an important role in a person’s recovery. Some people need professional help, however.
Remember that administering first aid can also be a traumatic experience and that you may need help yourself.