We all want to lend a helping hand to those experiencing bad events where we live, in our country or in the world. We may also need to urgently help people affected by disasters or accidents. But sometimes we may not know how to provide humane, supportive and practical psychological first aid services to individuals affected by serious crisis events. Even knowing at least what can be said and what can be done to support individuals in difficult situations is a benefit. In this way, we do not harm anyone, and we ensure the safety of ourselves and the other person.
WHAT IS PIY?
Psychological First Aid (PIY) is provided to those who are in pain or It is defined as a humanitarian and supportive intervention offered to people who need support and assistance (according to Sphere (2011) and IASC (2007). It is not something that only professionals do, nor is it professional psychological counseling.
PAM includes the following topics;
- Providing practical care and support that does not burden people
- Need and identifying concerns
- Helping people meet their basic needs (such as food, water, information)
- Listening to people without forcing them to talk
- To comfort and help them calm down >
- Providing assistance to people to obtain information and access services and social supports
- Protecting people from possible future harm
PIY Benefits of;
- Feeling safe
- Connecting with others
- Being calm and hopeful
- Accessing social, physical and emotional support
- Feeling that they can help themselves, both as individuals and as a community
Who is PLM for?;
- For stressed people who have recently been exposed to a serious crisis situation
- For both children and adults
- For anyone who needs support
- People who have gone through a crisis and do not want help cannot be helped by force, just be easily reachable when they ask for support.
Those who need more urgent support instead of PIM can turn to professionals (medical personnel, mental health experts, local authorities etc.) should be directed. These people;
- Those who need urgent medical care
- Those with life-threatening injuries
- People who are so upset that they cannot care for themselves and their children
- They People who can harm people
- People who can harm others
When is PIM given?
This aid is usually given during or after a disaster. It is also given immediately after the disaster. Sometimes it can last for days or weeks.
Where is PIY offered?
Incident/accident scene or health centers and shelters where assistance services are provided. There may be facilities where aid is distributed, such as camps, schools, and food. Care should be taken to ensure that it is in a place where we can talk privately.
DO;
- Honest. and be trustworthy
- Respect people's right to make their own decisions
- Respect privacy, keep their stories confidential
- Behave in accordance with people's culture, age and gender
DON'T;
- Don't ask for money or a favor in exchange for help
- Don't give false information
- Do not make promises that you cannot fulfill
- Do not force people to get help, do not be insistent and disturbing, do not put pressure
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