How do you promote psychological first aid awareness and education among your colleagues and stakeholders?

Psychological first aid (PFA) is a set of skills and strategies that can help people cope with the emotional and practical impacts of a critical incident, such as a disaster, a violence, or a trauma. PFA can reduce distress, enhance resilience, and promote recovery for individuals and communities. As a professional in the field of critical incident stress management (CISM), you have a key role in promoting PFA awareness and education among your colleagues and stakeholders. Here are some tips on how to do that.

1 Identify your target groups

Before you start planning your PFA awareness and education activities, you need to identify who are your target groups and what are their needs and interests. For example, you may want to reach out to your co-workers, managers, clients, partners, or other relevant groups in your sector or area. You may also want to consider the diversity and cultural sensitivity of your audience, as well as their level of exposure and involvement in critical incidents.

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Karen Humphrey S.

LPC, Founder of Healing 💕 to Resiliency, CEO-Helping 👐 PCCC, ALLEAPS MH Cord, D-Prep Safety Affiliate, Instructor, Serving Veterans, First Responders, & Families, Speaker, Vocalist; certified in Leadership & Ministry
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One thing I found helpful was taking the Mental Health First Aid training in addition to PFA. In becoming trained, I took it a step further and earned a Train the Trainer certificate so that the departments and organizations I serve can have the same rich experience. There is no greater honor than to provide the materials and insight to be able to make someone feel better as they have a normal response to sometimes very abnormal situations, particularly first responders. This curriculum is evidence-based which is vital in the capacity of issues addressed. With over three million trained in MHFA around the world, we must all be heading in the right direction together. There is nothing more impactful than to comfort another in a time of need.

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2 Choose your methods and materials

Once you have defined your target groups, you need to choose the most appropriate and effective methods and materials to deliver your PFA awareness and education messages. You may use different formats and platforms, such as workshops, webinars, newsletters, posters, flyers, social media, or podcasts. You may also use existing resources and tools, such as the PFA guidelines and training modules developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), or other reputable organizations. Alternatively, you may create your own customized materials, based on your specific context and objectives.

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3 Engage your participants

To ensure that your PFA awareness and education activities are engaging and impactful, you need to involve your participants in the process. You may use interactive and participatory methods, such as discussions, case studies, role plays, simulations, or quizzes. You may also solicit feedback and suggestions from your participants, and incorporate them into your future activities. You may also create opportunities for peer support and networking among your participants, to foster a sense of community and collaboration.

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4 Evaluate your outcomes

To measure the effectiveness and outcomes of your PFA awareness and education activities, you need to conduct regular and systematic evaluations. You may use different methods and tools, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or observations. You may also use quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as the number of participants, the level of satisfaction, the change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, or the impact on well-being and performance. You may also use the results of your evaluations to improve and adapt your activities, as well as to report and communicate your achievements and challenges.

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5 Advocate for PFA

To promote PFA awareness and education at a broader level, you need to advocate for PFA as a key component of CISM and mental health support. You may use different strategies and channels, such as campaigns, events, media, or policy briefs. You may also collaborate and coordinate with other stakeholders, such as government agencies, NGOs, professional associations, or academic institutions. You may also share your best practices and lessons learned with other CISM practitioners and PFA providers, to enhance the quality and consistency of PFA delivery.

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6 Keep learning and updating

To maintain and enhance your PFA awareness and education skills and knowledge, you need to keep learning and updating yourself on the latest developments and trends in the field of PFA and CISM. You may use different sources and opportunities, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, journals, books, or conferences. You may also seek supervision and mentoring from experienced and qualified PFA trainers and CISM experts. You may also reflect on your own practice and experience, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you promote psychological first aid awareness and education among your colleagues and stakeholders?

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1 Identify your target groups

2 Choose your methods and materials

3 Engage your participants

4 Evaluate your outcomes

5 Advocate for PFA

6 Keep learning and updating

7 Here’s what else to consider

Critical Incident Stress Management

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