Attend Psychological First Aid course “In case you missed it”

Trauma Support SA is hosting a Psychological First Aid (PFA) course on two Saturdays in February and March.

The course is ideal for first responders but is open to everyone, as you do not need trauma support or PFA experience to do the course.

Philip Stoneman, founding director of Trauma Support SA, said the two-day interactive workshop, with World Health Organisation material, empowers and equips participants to be more effective on the scene or in a trauma incident.

“PFA is a humane, supportive response to a fellow human being who is suffering and who may need support. It is an acute intervention of choice when responding to the psychosocial needs of children, adults and families affected by trauma, disaster and/or terrorism,” he explained.

“You can provide PFA in shelters, field hospitals, camps, acute care facilities (emergency departments), respite centres for first responders or other relief workers, crisis hotlines, feeding locations, assistance centres, homes, businesses, schools, evacuation centres and other community settings.”

Some of the basic objectives of PFA are:

• To establish a human connection in a non-intrusive, compassionate manner.

• To enhance immediate and ongoing safety, and provide physical and emotional comfort.

• To calm and orient emotionally overwhelmed or distraught survivors.

• To connect survivors as soon as possible to social support networks, including family members, friends, neighbours and community helping resources.

Course details: When: February 26 and March 5 Where: St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 24c Miles Sharp Road, Rynfield.

Time: 08:30 to 15:00 Cost: R450 per person Register and pay: Go to www.traumasupportsa.co.za/trainingevents to complete the PFA Trauma Wise training registration form and email proof of payment to philip@traumasupportsa.co.za

ALSO READ: 

Lions donate first aid kits to Chief Albert Luthuli Primary

ALSO READ: 

First-aid kit checklist for pets