Psychological First Aid

Learn to provide psychological first aid to people in an emergency by employing the RAPID model: Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition.Utilizing the RAPID model (Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition), this specialized course provides perspectives on injuries and trauma that are beyond those physical in nature. The RAPID model is readily applicable to public health settings, the workplace, the military, faith-based organizations, mass disaster venues, and even the demands of more commonplace critical events, e.g., dealing with the psychological aftermath of accidents, robberies, suicide, homicide, or community violence. In addition, the RAPID model has been found effective in promoting personal and community resilience.

Participants will increase their abilities to:

• Discuss key concepts related to PFA
• Listen reflectively
• Differentiate benign, non-incapacitating psychological/ behavioral crisis reactions from more severe, potentially incapacitating, crisis reactions
• Prioritize (triage) psychological/ behavioral crisis reactions
• Mitigate acute distress and dysfunction, as appropriate
• Recognize when to facilitate access to further mental health support
• Practice self-care

Developed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Open Education Lab.

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Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Introduction
Week 2
Reflective Listening/Rapport
Week 3
Assessment and Prioritization
Week 4
Intervention and Disposition
Week 5
Self-Care and Wrap-Up

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Does the verified certificate mean that I'm certified to render psychological first aid?

No, the verified certificate means that you have successfully completed this course by achieving the course learning objectives. This course introduces you to the concepts and PFA and the Johns Hopkins RAPID PFA model, but does not provide all of the training and practice necessary to fully prepare you to render psychological first aid in a disaster setting. You are strongly encouraged to seek additional training before rendering psychological first aid.

Does this course contain anything disturbing?

The subject matter of this course requires the exploration of some traumatic situations and events that are potentially disturbing to some learners. For example, fires, floods, and violent crimes are occasionally referenced within the course.

I've experienced a traumatic event. Is this course a place to seek and receive help?

No, this course is an opportunity to learn how to offer psychological first aid to others, not help yourself. It is not a suitable venue for seeking or receiving the help that you need. Rather we suggest that you contact your local mental health agency, or state associations for psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers. They can often provide you with a list of resources, some at no cost, for receiving the help you need. For more urgent needs you should contact a local crisis telephone hotline, visit an emergency room, or simply dial 911 and ask for assistance.

Reviews

Wonderful course! Short and direct to the point! I'd like to have another session which focuses on the assessment and triaging of the clients as I would still appreciate being guided on this area. :)

A very helpful course and full of practical information for persons interfered with disaster relief and crisis intervention as this course has a well- planned syllabus and really informative vignettes

It was very helpful in terms of gaining knowledge. The experience was interactive, the simulation videos made the course even more interesting and compelling. It was a wonderful learning experience.

Excellent introduction to Psychological First Aid. Highly recommend it to everyone as the information within is relevant to everyone as we all may someday be in a position of assisting after a crisis