The concept of PFA originated during World War II, when the U.S. War Office aimed to alleviate the mental strain experienced by soldiers. At the time, it was known as BICEPS, which stood for Brevity, Immediacy, Centrality, Expectancy, Proximity, and Simplicity. In 1959, the term "Psychological First Aid" emerged.
The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (NC-PTSD) released a structured PFA framework that has been widely used by organizations such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the American Psychological Association.
Notably, after the 9/11 attacks, PFA became a critical tool in supporting survivors.
Implementing PFA does not imply that there is a great deal of difficulty in restoring psychological issues. Instead, it is a social psychological movement to better understand the immediate responses, both physical and emotional, that are common among survivors and their caregivers. It supports meeting urgent needs, facilitates acceptance of stressful conditions that may arise, and helps individuals rebuild.
PFA is structured with five core principles:
đ Ensuring Safety
Creating a safe environment, both physically and emotionally, is the first step in providing PFA. This includes providing basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter is also part of the process of ensuring safety.
đPromoting Calm
Facilitating a calm and peaceful environment is the second principle. This includes listening to the affected individuals, providing them space away from stressful environments, and connecting them with family, friends, and loved ones. In impossible situations, PFA includes connecting individuals with their communities or organizations that can offer assistance.
đ Promoting Self and Community Efficacy
Helping individuals rebuild their lives, manage their circumstances, and recognize and utilize their strengths is a characteristic of the third principle.
đ Installing Hope
As the saying goes, "A person without hope is like a dead person." Everyone who survives should have at least some hope. PFA works to clarify and reignite fading hope.
It is not necessary to be a mental health professional to provide PFA. Anyone from first responders, volunteers, neighbors, or even family members can all offer this support. The process of PFA is referred to as 3L (Look, Listen, Link). It involves observing those in need of help, listening with empathy and respect to the voices coming from their hearts, and connecting them with family members and mental and medical health professionals.
The impact of a crisis leaves behind loss and devastation even after it has ended. When negative events that accompany a crisis hit with a ripple effect, it can be challenging to recover. However, by using PFA, letâs help one another and rekindle the flickering light of hope.
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