Psychological First Aid In A Major Incident Response
The Department of Health issued a guidance document in July 2009 entitled ‘Planning for the Psychosocial and Mental Health Care of People Affected by Major Incidents and Disasters.’ This document recommends the provision of Psychosocial Care and Psychological First Aid in providing a response to Major Emergencies and is now endorsed by the British Red Cross and Red Crescent and the World Health Organisation as the ‘model of choice’ in support communities, particularly during the present COVID 19 crisis.
This Guidance has important implications for all 1st and 2nd Category Responders under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, and all staff who are likely to be involved in providing a response during or following a Major Emergency should receive appropriate training. This is particularly important for Local Authority Adult Social Care Departments who are the designated lead body for providing support to the public under the Act.
Psychological First Aid In A Major Incident Response
We have extensive experience offering training for a variety of organisations ranging from the NHS, other emergency services as well as businesses.
We offer training courses to enable people to help others cope in dealing with traumatic incidents and stressful situations. Training courses are usually delivered in-house, but in the present Covid-19 crisis situation courses are now being offered online, which has proved to be very successful.
PFA In A Major Incident Response
Training Course Details
Putting in place the ‘right’ training for staff and volunteers is essential when planning for and responding to major emergencies. First Category responders, designated by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, such as Local Authority Adult Social Care departments and Emergency Service Organisations should consider how important this response is and provide training.
Those affected and the public at large should be appropriately supported, and we have seen in recent times what happens during a Major Emergency when the response is not managed well or is absent.
The staff of First Category responders and the volunteers who will be deployed to assist in the response, providing care and psychosocial support of those affected by an emergency, need to receive appropriate training. This should comprise of the skills of Psychological First Aid, to be used particularly at or near the scene of an emergency or disaster, in the Survivor and Family and Friends Reception Centres, Rest Centres, hospitals and Humanitarian Assistance Centres. This work and training usually comes under the umbrella of the Local Resilience Forum (LRF).
Caring for responders and preparing them with appropriate training and skills will help to ensure that not only can they be confident in providing the right kind of support to those that need it most, but that they will be able to look after the welfare of themselves and their colleagues.
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this training delegates will be able to:
- 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
Organising Training
This training has been designed to be run ‘In-House’ on behalf of behalf of Local Authorities, Local Resilience Forums and their partners. However, in the present Covid 19 situation, it can also be delivered as an ‘On-Line’ option, using any of the usual video conferencing platforms. It is a practical course with opportunities for delegates to share experiences and to practice the skills being presented. It has been delivered many times to Surrey’s Local Resilience Forum with delegates from a wide variety of personnel from the LRF partners, which has worked well and has received excellent feedback.
To discuss how we might tailor this training most appropriately for your needs please contact Gerry on: or telephone on 0118 973 1546 or 0781 841 0254.
Feedback from our clients
“Zoom approach worked surprisingly well. Small group work made possible –excellent. Good slides and content. Good pre-course reading and information for future reference. Knowledge and experience of Gerry”
- Facilitation via Zoom and breakout rooms worked really well given current limitations.
- Anecdotal stories based on Gerry’s previous experience were interesting and relevant and helped illustrate the points he was making.
- Humorous style and relaxed delivery welcomed.
- Good balance of facilitator input, case studies and group discussion.
- Calm and well-paced delivery and good humoured.
- Clear and good at keeping everyone involved.
- Excellent content and facilitation in difficult/different circumstance –well done and thanks Gerry.
- The break halfway through each session was really helpful. Working online requires a different level of concentration so a break is important.
Feedback from Consultant Doctors following recent training for Health Education England