Psychological first aid (PFA)
PFA is a crisis response intervention technique that facilitates recovery and reduces trauma-related stress after a crisis hits. Learn more on PFA and how you can be better prepared to aid your colleagues and employees when a crisis hits.
Overview of PFA
In this introduction to PFA, you learn to understand that the emotions we feel during a crisis are normal.
You also learn how to help others by following these action principles:
- Prepare
- Look
- Listen
- Link
PFA at the workplace
You can use PFA at your workplace too.
Learn what you can do if you see your colleague:
- Crying
- Shouting or being violent
Avoid using phrases that people can misunderstand
These commonly used phrases may not help someone who is suffering:
- Don’t cry
- I understand
- Cheer up
- Think of the positive side
- Calm down
- It’s okay
- It’s not that bad
- You must get a hold of yourself
Common questions about PFA
What should I do if the person suffering does not have anybody to call or rejects external help?Show
Can someone with mild mental problems like depression be trained as a PFA provider?Show
Learn more about psychological first aid skills and first aid course at Red Cross.