Psychological First-Aid: According to the Sphere Project (2011) and IASC (2007), Psychological First Aid (PFA) describes a humane, supportive response to someone who is suffering and may need support.
It involves: â˘
Providing non-intrusive, practical care and support.
â˘
Assessing needs and concerns.
â˘
Helping people to address basic needs (food and water, information).
â˘
Listening to people, but not pressuring them to talk.
â˘
Comforting people and helping them to feel calm.
â˘
Helping people connect to information, services and social supports.
â˘
In the case of Ebola disease, information is vital: those providing PFA can help
â˘
to dispel myths, share clear messages about healthy behavior and improve
â˘
One's understanding of the disease.
â˘
Protecting people from further harm.
PFA is not: â˘
It is not something that only professionals can do.
â˘
It is not professional counseling.
â˘
It does not necessarily involve a detailed discussion of the event that caused the distress (as in âpsychological debriefingâ).
â˘
It is not asking someone to analyze what happened to them or to put time and events in order.
â˘
It is not about pressuring people to tell you their feelings and reactions to an event but rather being available to listen to people.
5