Psychological first aid: How to use it in our daily life?

Crisis situations can occur at the least expected moment without prior notice, they cause an imbalance in people, so it is ideal to provide support at this critical moment.

Crises can be so many consequences of an environmental catastrophe or, for example, the death of a loved one, any traumatic and destructuring event needs psychological first aid.

This technique helps to prevent future pathologies and to be able to get people out of the state of shock in which they find themselves after a crisis.

What is psychological first aid based on?

Psychological first aid is a crisis coping technique designed to support affected people immediately after or during the crisis.

It is that help that is provided immediately to victims in crisis situations or events in which they feel great psychological discomfort and that overwhelm them.

These aim to reduce the anxiety and anguish generated by the event, thus reducing the probability of developing a long-term disorder as a consequence of this traumatic event.

It seeks to enhance the adaptive capacities and internal resources of the subject himself so that he can effectively manage events.

Psychological first aid is based on active listening, in which real attention is paid to the information that the other person is transmitting to us and at the same time we are discreet with this information.

We are here to help, and should not act as if we want to know a story from a friend.

So the questions we ask must be correct and directed towards the feelings of the affected person, the information we collect must be of help to identify their needs and redirect them to the corresponding entities.

Let's give space for the expression of the negative emotions of those who are going through the crisis, it is valid to cry or be upset after these events, let's be respectful and open.

Who can apply them and how?

Anyone trained in the methodology of psychological first aid can apply them, it is not necessary to be a mental health professional.

There are training courses in psychological first aid that certify your knowledge and skills in this practice.

Tips to correctly apply psychological first aid

The first step is to ask the person if they want us to help them, the idea is to be able to provide support without being invasive with the other. If the affected person is a minor, you must ask permission from their parents or representative before, try to approach them naturally and with interest but without invading the space of the other.

In case you don't know the person, introduce yourself in a friendly way and make your intentions clear. You must be respectful and empathetic at all times, perceive the signals of the other person, before making physical contact, ask.

Be attentive to how it is expressed, if I take, non-verbal language, gestures and approaches without being on top of the person. Model your tone of voice and body expression to adapt it to the person and the situation, do not be intimidating or passive, practice assertiveness and empathy at all times.

Try to take the person to a space that is as private and comfortable as possible.

For the administration of these first aid we can follow the ABCDE protocol

Active listening "A"

As we mentioned before, we must listen carefully, showing empathy and interest.

"B" for retraining

To reduce levels of agitation and stress, practice breathing exercises that allow you to regain your normal rhythm.

"C" for needs categorization

It is necessary to identify together with the affected person what their primary needs are and help them meet them.

They can categorize and outline so that it is easier to understand what to do and how to do it, I will help from the internal resources and support networks of the affected person to make them feel less vulnerable in these moments.

"D" for referral to support networks

Once the crisis is over, you will need to assist with health professionals or other professionals in relation to the effects of the crisis, for this it is important to make it clear to the person what is the necessary course of action and if it is possible to follow up.

"E" for psychoeducational

The affected person should be informed that it is normal to experience discomfort in the future due to this event and indicate when the discomfort is a sign that he should seek specialized help.

PAPS are a useful and necessary tool for crisis management at everyone's hand.