Psychological First Aid Training

Course Overview

This Psychological First Aid two-day course provides an introduction to Psychological First Aid (PFA) using a trauma-informed approach. The course explores the effects of stress and trauma on the brain and body, and equips learners with practical strategies to support people in distress. This is especially important for key workers who are working on the front line in order to keep all of us safe. Our Psychological First Aid training is now being delivered via live webinar sessions to NHS Trusts and a large number of organisations across the United Kingdom.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Define Psychological First Aid and explain its role in trauma-informed support
• Recognise common stress signals and trauma responses
• Apply the Look, Listen, Link model in real-life crisis situations
• Identify when to refer individuals for professional or specialist support
• Maintain awareness of personal wellbeing and practise grounding strategies
• Respond with safety, dignity, and cultural sensitivity

The training is delivered over two days and is structured around four overall learning objectives.

Part One: Understanding Stress – The Foundation of Psychological First Aid

• The science of stress and trauma responses
• The difference between eustress and distress
• The fight, flight, freeze, flop, and fawn trauma responses
• The window of tolerance and how it affects coping
• Recognising the signs of stress in yourself and others

Part Two: An Introduction to Psychological First Aid

• What Psychological First Aid is and what it is not
• Origins and global development of PFA
• Core goals of PFA: safety, calm, connection, efficacy, and hope
• Where, when, and by whom PFA can be used
• Preparing yourself and your team to provide support
• The importance of cultural sensitivity, safety, and dignity

Part Three: Look, Listen, Link – Action Principles in Psychological First Aid

• Applying the three key principles of PFA in practice
• Gathering information and assessing safety
• Active listening and empathetic communication
• Supporting practical and emotional needs without pressure
• Linking people to social, medical, and community support
• Knowing when and how to refer for specialist help

Part Four: Navigating the Do’s, Don’ts, and Complex Realities of Psychological First Aid

• Principles of safety, dignity, rights, and confidentiality
• Recognising when someone may need more than PFA
• Responding to panic, anger, aggression, or self-harm
• Supporting children and vulnerable groups in crisis
• Working with survivors of violence or marginalised communities
• Ending support safely and effectively
• Self-care and resilience for helpers