Psychological First Aid: Stabilize, Orient, Support

Objective

Reduce distress and improve functioning in the minutes to hours after a traumatic event using Psychological First Aid (PFA).

Principles

• Safety: Remove from danger, reduce sensory overload.
• Calming: Breathing and grounding; reduce hyperventilation.
• Connection: Link to family/team; don’t leave people isolated.
• Efficacy: Small tasks restore a sense of control.

Step‑by‑Step (PFA Lite)

1. Introduce & Ask Permission. “I can help you get settled—okay?”
2. Stabilize. Sit, water, blanket; slow breathing: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 6.
3. Orient. Who/where/when; repeat what will happen next in 1–2 steps.
4. Gather Needs. Medical, meds, contacts, reunification.
5. Support & Tasks. Give a concrete job: “Hold this light,” “Count blankets,” “Text this message.”
6. Link & Follow‑Up. Connect to a responsible person; check back within an hour.

Do/Don’t

• Do listen more than you talk; keep voice low and steady.
• Don’t force retelling of the event; avoid speculation.

Real Example

After a crash, a bystander used PFA steps to calm a panicked passenger and helped them contact family; EMS reported lower agitation and easier assessment.

Checklist

• Blanket, water, tissues
• Printed “next steps” card
• Contact sheet template

Contingencies

• Escalating distress → move to quiet space; engage a trained responder.
• Language barrier → use gestures, simple words, translation apps if available.

After‑Action

Note grounding techniques that worked; add them to your kit card.

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