Psychological First Aid in Disasters

Abstract

Psychological first aid in disasters includes psychosocial interventions applied instantly or later in events that cause various adverse effects, such as natural disasters and accidents. Its main purpose is to identify the most basic physical or mental needs of the affected individuals and aim to solve the problems. Psychological first aid is of crucial importance not only for individuals affected by the disaster or adverse situation but also for aid workers. All individuals, families, support teams, and search, rescue, and intervention units facing a traumatic or emergency situation, especially children and the elderly, should benefit from psychological support. Psychological first aid aims to help disaster victims express their feelings, and relax with basic psychological information, and understand what they have experienced and felt. Psychological first aid is applied at the moment contact is made with people under stress. Early intervention in psychological first aid makes it possible for individuals to cope with the situation. © 2025 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.