8 psychological first aid activities

1. Making contact
If you are a stranger to the injured person, it is necessary that you introduce yourself and state your intentions to the injured person. Remain attentive to what the victim communicates.

2. Ensure safety and physical and mental well-being.
Physiological needs and a sense of security are paramount to regaining mental balance in such a situation. It is on these that you should focus your support.

3. There are many methods to help stabilize emotions. These include reducing unnecessary stimulation with stressors, building a sense of security as well as ad hoc ones such as controlled calming of breathing.

4. and 5. Information gathering and practical assistance. The victim may have ordinary physiological (hunger) or emotional (contact with family) needs that he is afraid or ashamed to communicate. Let's ask about them and, if possible, help realize them.

6. Properly instructed family, parent is the best mental support. If possible, let's implement them to help as early as possible.

7. Victims are ashamed of their stress reactions such as crying, urinating, saying unusual things. Let's communicate to the injured person that all these reactions are fully understandable in such a situation.

8. The accident that happened to you is often one of many problems faced by the injured. As rescuers we often help, people who are homeless, with alcohol or drug problems. Do you know where to seek help in such situations in your city?