Psychological First Aid Certification Program (PFA-CP)

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed approach to help individuals in distress after a traumatic event, disaster, or crisis. It involves providing humane and supportive assistance to help people feel safe, connected, calm, and hopeful, while also helping them to access practical support and connect with resources. PFA focuses on reducing initial distress and promoting long-term adaptive functioning. 

Why is PFA important?

The main reasons why learning Psychological First Aid (PFA) is important for managers in today’s business scenario are:

Promotes a Resilient Workplace Culture
By integrating PFA into daily leadership practices, managers contribute to building a resilient organizational culture where employees feel supported, valued, and better able to cope with challenges.. 

Supports Employee Well-being During Crisis
Managers often face situations where employees experience stress, trauma, or emotional distress (e.g., after layoffs, accidents, or personal loss). PFA equips managers to provide immediate emotional support, helping employees stabilize and recover.

Prevents Escalation of Mental Health Issues
Early intervention using PFA techniques can reduce the risk of long-term psychological problems. Managers trained in PFA can recognize early warning signs and guide employees to appropriate professional help before issues worsen.

Improves Team Trust and Psychological Safety
When employees see that their manager is capable of responding empathetically to emotional distress, it builds trust and a sense of safety within the team — leading to better engagement, communication, and collaboration.

Enhances Leadership Effectiveness
PFA training develops key leadership skills such as active listening, empathy, situational awareness, and effective communication — all essential for managing people, especially in high-pressure or sensitive situations.

What will you Learn?

Full Curriculum Overview

Title: Psychological First Aid Certification Program (PFA-CP)

Lesson 1: Introduction to Psychological First Aid

• History & Foundations
• Core Principles of PFA
• Who Can Deliver PFA
• Importance in Crisis Situations

Lesson 2: Understanding Psychological Reactions to Crisis

• Stress Reactions: Acute vs Chronic
• Cognitive, Emotional, Physical Symptoms
• Trauma and Its Variants
• Vulnerable Populations

Lesson 3: The Core Actions of PFA (RAPID Model Overview)

• Introduction to RAPID Model
• Recognize
• Assess
• Prioritize
• Intervene
• Disposition

Lesson 4: Building Rapport and Connection

• Active Listening Skills
• Non-Verbal Communication
• Establishing Trust
• Cultural Sensitivity

Lesson 5: Immediate Stabilization Techniques

• Grounding Techniques
• Breathing Exercises
• Managing Panic and Acute Stress
• Safety and Security

Lesson 6: Assessment and Triage in PFA

• Identifying Severe Reactions
• Suicide Risk Assessment
• Medical vs Psychological Needs
• Referral Mechanisms

Lesson 7: Intervention Techniques in PFA

• Cognitive Behavioral Strategies
• Normalizing Responses
• Psychoeducation
• Basic Counseling Skills

Lesson 8: Helping Special Populations

• Children
• Elderly
• First Responders
• Refugees & Displaced Persons

Lesson 9: Self-Care for Psychological First Aiders

• Secondary Trauma
• Burnout Prevention
• Resilience Building
• Support Systems

Lesson 10: Ethical & Professional Considerations

• Boundaries in PFA
• Confidentiality
• Legal Responsibilities
• Continuous Learning

Each lesson will be followed by:

• One Quiz (25 MCQs per quiz)
• Video Training Materials