Psychological First Aid and Crisis Management (PSY381)

This course provides an applied background to Psychological First Aid (PFA), equipping students with fundamental skills through a balance of theory and practice. Simple and effective engagement questions are used to help readily identify, clarify, and provide immediate emotional support to those in distress through the Look – Listen – Link framework. Beyond the basics, this course will also examine life crises that may lead to trauma and complicated grief. Basic primary assessment for suicidal, aggressive, and vulnerable persons will also be addressed. Students will be given opportunities to learn and practice skills and techniques required for crisis intervention and supportive care.

• Definitions of Psychological First Aid
• Crisis Management model
• Stabilising individuals in crisis
• Warning signs of individuals in crisis
• Assessing risk in crisis
• Grief and loss
• Active Listening Skills
• Encouraging effective coping
• Promoting recovery / referral
• Assessing for other affected parties in a crisis (circles of vulnerability)
• Basic planning to support those in need
• Self-care and awareness

• Examine signs and symptoms of individuals in crisis
• Indicate the steps involved in various approaches to individuals in crisis
• Determine grief and loss stages and needs of individuals in crisis
• Practice using psychological first aid approaches with various presentations
• Assess functioning, risks, and ability to cope
• Propose and promote recovery for those affected by crisis