Psychological First-Aid Training for Paraprofessionals: A Systems-Based Model for Enhancing Capacity of Rural Emergency Responses

Abstract

These findings are consistent with the conclusion that it is feasible to consider LHDs, FBOs, and AHCs as partners to work effectively within the span of a six-month period to design, promote, conduct, and evaluate a model of capacity/capability building for public mental health emergency response based on a professional "extender" rationale. Moreover, consistently high levels of perceived self-efficacy as PFA responders can be achieved with lay members of the community who receive a specially-designed, one-day training program in crisis intervention and referral strategies for disaster survivors.

Building a National Model of Public Mental Health Preparedness and Community Resilience: Validation of a Dual-Intervention, Systems-Based Approach

“…33,34 Phase 2 consisted of an AHC-FBO-LHD collaborative study of PFA and an earlyversion of GPP with rural populations. 35,36 Phase 3 entailed multi-state field validations of iteratively refined versions of PFA and GPP, the focus of this report.…”

Implementing Psychological First-Aid Training for Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers

“…Early analyses demonstrate that PFA increases selfefficacy and confidence in working with children and adults, [19][20][21] but limited data are available on specific uptake of PFA training in surge responders who are critical to broader community response. The MRC is not a traditional first responder group, but is a ''ready force of public health, medical, and non-medical volunteers who are ready, willing, and able to support a variety of preparedness, emergency, and public health activities and initiatives.''…”

The Role of Psychological First Aid to Support Public Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…According to McCabe et al (2011), individuals undertaking PFA training believe that the skills gained through the process are central in promoting disaster mental health principles and practices [12]. They explained that most participants agreed or strongly agreed on the necessity and outcomes of PFA.…”

“…The goal is motivating people to link internal and outside resources in meeting their needs to enhance their capacity to take action, which addresses their concerns. Consequently, PFA is effective in various groups within the population, including the medical staff, without any concerns regarding its adverse impact considering its safety aspect [3,12].…”