Psychological First Aid (PFA) is the mental and emotional equivalent of medical First Aid.

PFA training courses equip people to provide emotional and practical support to individuals and whānau who have experienced a large-scale disaster or a personal traumatic incident.

Run by Red Cross, these courses are designed for anyone working with people and communities following an emergency or distressing event.

You can find out more information and book a course at the Red Cross website.

 Learning outcomes

• Understand what Psychological First Aid (PFA) is.
• Become familiar with distress reactions.
• Provide PFA using ‘The Five Elements’ and the action principles:
  • Look: Know some of the warning signs.
  • Listen: How to check in, listen and respond.
  • Link: Connect the person and/or yourself to the right support.
• Practice providing PFA.