New psychological first aid course to be offered in August 2018.
Our new Psychological First Aid (PFA) Program will be released in August 2018!
This exciting program option teaches everyone how to help others experiencing loss, grief and stress, and also self-care. Learners will come away with coping strategies to prevent, identify and deal with stressful events, and they will better understand what supports are available to them and how they can access or help others to access specialized support.
PFA is built on the latest evidence-based research from the international community and was developed in response to a growing need within our communities and to address a gap in wellness program options with a focus on resiliency.
PFA Courses
The Canadian Red Cross PFA umbrella includes:
- Online courses (non-certification):
- Psychological First Aid - Self-Care
- Psychological First Aid - Caring for Others
- PFA Certification Course
- 7–12-hour in-class course
Course Delivery
Flexible program options mean Training Partners and Instructors will work together to customize delivery to meet the needs of each audience. Psychological First Aid - Self-Care and Psychological First Aid - Caring for Others are both recommended pre-course assignments for the PFA Certification Course as they introduce concepts covered in the certification course, and can supplement and strengthen the in-class content.
Who is PFA for?
PFA is for everyone and also supports existing wellness programs. The courses provide a daily aid to facing the stresses of life, and help participants gain an understanding of how to recognize when a person is experiencing distress and how to offer help. In the workplace it can be useful as:
- A tool for employee training
- Professional development
- General wellness training
PFA vs Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
PFA and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) are distinct but complementary approaches that can be used in different settings. PFA helps learners develop an understanding of the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief on others, with an emphasis on self-care and personal protection. MHFA teaches how to help a person experiencing a mental health crisis.
If you are interested in learning more, feel free to contact us directly!