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QualityTool

Psychological First Aid: Field Operations Guide, 2nd Edition


Description

This guide is an evidence-informed modular approach for assisting people in the immediate aftermath of disaster and terrorism, to reduce initial distress and to foster short- and long-term adaptive functioning. It is for use by mental health specialists, including first responders, incident command systems, primary and emergency health care providers, school crisis response teams, faith-based organizations, disaster relief organizations, Community Emergency Response Teams, Medical Reserve Corps, and the Citizens Corps in diverse settings.

This guide includes the following sections:

  • Introduction and overview
  • Preparing to deliver psychological first aid
  • Core actions
    • Contact and engagement
    • Safety and comfort
    • Stabilization
    • Information gathering: Current needs and concerns
    • Practical assistance
    • Connection with social supports
    • Information on coping
    • Linkage with collaborative services
  • Appendixes
    • Overview of psychological first aid
    • Service delivery sites and settings
    • Psychological first aid: Provider care
    • Provider worksheets
    • Handouts for survivors (for adults, adolescents, parents/caregivers, and children)
Links to the Tool:
This tool is available at: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/manuals/psych-first-aid.asp

Developer

National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Funding Sources

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (U.S.); U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


QualityTool Topic

Quality improvement strategies


History

  • Release Date: 01/2006
  • Review Date: 01/2008
  • Recent Summary: 03/2008
  • Original Summary: 09/2007
Disclaimer: The inclusion of a tool in the Innovations Exchange does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or Westat of the tool or of the submitter or developer of the tool. Read more.
QualityTool Classification

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Last updated: December 19, 2012.