Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a promising early intervention for managing mental health symptoms and providing psychosocial support after exposure to a traumatic event (TE) among high-risk organizations such as Emergency Medical Service (EMS). However, recipients’ experience with PFA remains understudied. This study aimed to explore the perception of EMS workers (n = 13) who received PFA administered by a peer helper using a qualitative inductive approach. Findings from a thematic analysis indicated that the PFA intervention addresses EMS workers’ immediate needs in congruence with Hobfoll’s five essential principles to enhance coping and recovery after a TE. Specific components of the intervention, such as its time-sensitive nature and the closeness with peers, were especially appreciated by EMS workers. The PFA intervention appeared to have a beneficial impact on recipients, regarding the reduction of stigma, the increase of help-seeking behaviors, and the decrease of organizational difficulties. In conclusion, the PFA intervention offered by peer helpers is appreciated by recipients and is a beneficial first step toward supporting EMS workers in the aftermath of workplace trauma. These qualitative findings contribute to the current literature by informing further research about PFA intervention in other high-risk organizations and quantitative studies aiming to test PFA’s efficacy in such settings.

Managing post-traumatic stress reactions in the first few days after exposure to a potentially traumatic event in the course of one’s work remains a challenge for first responder organizations such as Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed approach to reducing initial distress and promoting short- and long-term coping strategies among staff in the aftermath of exposure. PFA provided by peer helpers is considered a promising solution for first responder organizations. Unfortunately, first responders may encounter stigma and barriers to mental health care. Therefore, a deeper investigation is needed regarding adherence over time to implemented PFA intervention. The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore factors that influence adherence to PFA intervention of recipients and peer helpers. EMS workers (n = 11), working as PFA peer helpers for one year, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis; intercoder reliability (κ = 0.91) was also used. Researchers identified four themes and 11 subthemes influencing adherence to PFA intervention: (1) individual perceptions and attitudes of peer helpers and recipients about pfa intervention; (2) perceived impacts on peer helpers and recipients; (3) organizational support to pfa intervention; and (4) congruence with the occupational culture. Study findings herein suggest that it is conceivable to act on various factors to improve adherence to PFA intervention among peer helpers and recipients within EMS organization. This could lead to enhanced understanding of the challenges involved in sustaining a peer led PFA program for first responders.

Cet article présente une réflexion sur l’attachement de l’enfant dans le contexte de sa relation aux professionnels de l’enfance. Il s’attarde à la relation plus spécifique qu’entretient l’enfant d’âge maternel (3-5 ans) avec ses animateurs périscolaires. Les difficultés des animateurs à répondre de manière sécure aux besoins d’attachement de l’enfant ont été identifiées, ainsi que leurs causes éventuelles, par l’intermédiaire d’observations et d’entretiens menés auprès d’animateurs et de directeurs d’accueil de loisirs. Le contenu d’une séance d’initiation à l’attachement réalisée auprès de ces animateurs et directeurs est enfin présenté.