Psychological first aid for young people

What is psychological first aid for young people?

Psychological first aid (PFA) is an internationally accepted strategy that can be used anytime, but is most widely used in the first hours, days and weeks following a traumatic event.

Here are some practical ways that psychological first aid for young people can be applied:

Ensure safety

Where possible, protect the young person from witnessing further traumatic sights and sounds. Protect them from exposure to media or other people who want to talk to them about the event and are not their family or part of the emergency response.

Keep calm

Speak in a low, calm voice. Tell young people they are safe (when this is the case). Answer questions honestly, but without any frightening or graphic details. Reassure them that they have you and other adults looking out for them and that they will be with their families soon.

Connect with others

Reunite young people with their families and loved ones as soon as possible following a disaster or traumatic event. If this is not possible, try to keep in touch by phone or online (e.g. private messaging).

Encourage self-efficacy

Where possible, encourage young people to meet their own needs.For example, if they are agitated, suggest they try a calming strategy, such as a slow breathing exercise. Help them to make decisions and prioritise and solve problems themselves.

Instill hope

Be mindful of young people’s needs and reactions and be responsive to them. Be gentle and accept all responses. Make it clear that while the young person’s feelings are normal, people will recover and things will get better.