25.2 Psychological first aid (PFA)

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is the approach recommended by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and the World Health Organization for supporting someone right after a traumatic event. You do not need to be a professional. The short three-step model is Look, Listen, Link; in practice, in a household it comes down to listening, protecting, and connecting.

1. LOOK 2. LISTEN 3. LINK

The NCTSN's 8 actions, in plain language

1. Contact. Introduce yourself or approach calmly, without pressuring.
2. Safety and comfort. Move the person away from danger, give them water, shade, or a blanket, and accurate information.
3. Stabilization. If the person is overwhelmed or disoriented, speak to them slowly, help them breathe slowly and get their bearings ("We are home, it is 3 o'clock, you are safe").
4. Gather information. What do they need right now? Are they hurt? Is someone missing? Do they take medicines?
5. Practical help. Solve the most urgent problem together: a phone call, a charger, a meal.
6. Social connection. Help them get in touch with their family and their people.
7. Information on coping. Explain that their reactions are normal and what helps (section 25.1).
8. Linkage with services. If they need more, connect them with medical care, mental health care, or social assistance.