Citation

Ditzler T. J. Hum. Secur. 2009; 5(2): 35-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Librello Publishing)

DOI

10.3316/JHS0502035

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Humanitarian response workers typically possess evolved skills, and deliver highly competent service in their chosen specialty. Although comparatively few responders are trained mental health professionals, many have noted that the overwhelming mental and emotional distress among survivors often limits survivors' ability to respond to aid. This article provides an overview of practical interventions for use by non-mental health trained responders to effectively mitigate psychic distress among survivors. The principles offered highlight the 8 Core Actions described in the Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide (NCTSN, 2005) which was developed by the Terrorism Disaster Branch of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for PTSD (US). The techniques represent the consensus of disaster mental health practitioners from a number of professional backgrounds. The authors propose that making PFA training available to aid workers will enhance their efficacy in helping survivors and provide a natural platform for the creation of a cadre of trained local providers to provide self-sustaining mental health assets for future disaster response.

Language: en