Psychological first aid (PFA)

PFA is a crisis response intervention technique that facilitates recovery and reduces trauma-related stress after a crisis hits. Learn more on PFA and how you can be better prepared to aid your family and friends when a crisis hits.



What is it

Overview of PFA

Through PFA, you learn to understand that the emotions we feel during a crisis are normal. You also learn how to help others by following these action principles:

  • Prepare
  • Look
  • Listen
  • Link

Where can we apply it

PFA can be used anywhere

You can use PFA at your school, at home, or at work. Learn what you can do if you see your friend or family member:

  • Crying
  • Shouting or being violent

What not to say

Avoid using phrases that people can misunderstand

These commonly used phrases may not help someone who is suffering:

  • Don’t cry
  • I understand
  • Cheer up
  • Think of the positive side
  • Calm down
  • It’s okay
  • It’s not that bad
  • You must get a hold of yourself

Read More

Learn through our game!

Learn how to be a better listener

The main character just enrolled into Pawsitive, a school for animals. He is greeted by Principal Brown and is introduced to a useful guide to free mental health services. As he encounters new friends, he learns to communicate better and helps them resolve their issues

Frequently Asked Questions

You can try other support systems:
  • Within the organisation, it can be:
    • Speaking to someone from HR or with their boss
    • In-house counsellors or psychologists
  • Externally, it can be:
    • Family doctor
    • Neighbour
    • Social worker
When the person refuses any help, you can provide them with help hotlines so that they could call in their own time.

Yes, anyone can be trained in PFA.

You have to be capable of taking care of yourself before you can be deployed to help others.

More on PFA