Aim of Course
To train participants in using the skills of Psychological First Aid whilst carrying out their roles in providing support to those who have been affected by a variety of major incidents and smaller scale traumatic incidents.

Objectives

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the Psychological First Aid model of support and practical assistance for those affected by Major Incidents, terrorism and smaller scale traumatic incidents
• Recognise signs that people are overwhelmed by their reactions and help to calm and orient them
• Recognise a variety of short term survivor stress reactions and help people to manage them
• Describe the variety of settings in which they may have to work and the roles they may have to take
• Conduct an appropriate helpful conversation with those affected in order to establish their needs and wishes, both at the incident and later in the Emergency Assistance Centres
• Use the skills of Psychological First Aid in providing practical assistance and effective care for those affected
• Ensure that the employees and volunteers working with the people who have been affected are monitored and provided with appropriate support
• Identify those who may be in need of professional mental health care and ensure that they are referred to an appropriate source of care

Target Audience
This course is suitable for staff whose role includes supporting people who have been affected by a traumatic incident. This includes staff who may receive initial emergency calls, first responders and others who attend the scene and those staff who may provide support at an Emergency Assistance Centre or following such an incident.