The Johns Hopkins Guide to Psychological First Aid

The second edition of The Johns Hopkins Guide to Psychological First Aid provides an easy-to-follow, prescriptive, and practical approach to psychological first aid, drawing on experiences in Kuwait, New York City, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes updated chapters on cultural awareness, PFA considerations with children, and the use of PFA to facilitate community mental health and resilience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Psychological first aid, or PFA, is a crucial skill set designed to mitigate the effects of acute stress and trauma and assist individuals in crisis to cope effectively. PFA is applicable in various emergencies, including disasters, terrorist attacks, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In the second edition of this essential guide, George S. Everly, Jr., and Jeffrey M. Lating, drawing on their extensive experiences in Kuwait after the Gulf War, New York City after the September 11 attacks, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, present the principles and practices of PFA in a clear, prescriptive, and practical manner. The book is updated with current events and includes three new chapters on cultural awareness, PFA considerations with children, and the use of PFA to promote community mental health and resilience. This guide is aimed at mental health practitioners, first responders, and global health disaster teams such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the World Health Organization, as well as individuals with limited or no prior mental health training.

The Johns Hopkins Guide to Psychological First Aid provides a comprehensive explanation of the RAPID PFA method. RAPID is a unique evidence-informed and evidence-based PFA approach that follows a set of easily understood principles. Each chapter in the guide offers a step-by-step approach, accompanied by key point summaries, and is illustrated with a unifying case study that exemplifies each phase of the RAPID PFA model. The ongoing dialogue within the case study presents ideal PFA responses, examples of common mistakes, and various scenarios to enhance the reader's understanding and application of the skills.

By mastering the essential skills of psychological first aid, individuals can become empowered to provide immediate support and assistance to those in need. PFA promotes resilience, reduces stress, and helps individuals navigate challenging situations with greater ease. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting communities during times of crisis, or simply fostering mental well-being in everyday life, this guide offers valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities.

Weight: 431g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421443997
Edition number: second edition