Psychological First Aid Certification Course

The Psychological First Aid course is essential for anyone who wants to develop a better understanding of how stress, loss, trauma, and grief can affect others.

By participating in this course, you will learn about the Red Cross Look, Listen, Link, Live model - a powerful approach that promotes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. With evidence from the international community, you will acquire the knowledge and skills required to help support yourself and others through the effects of different types of stress.

The course uses a case-based learning approach, which is highly effective in helping learners develop a deep understanding of the material. You will learn prevention and coping strategies for dealing with stress resulting from various types of trauma. This course is not just about helping others; it's also about helping yourself.

Note for Course Participants: Mental health first aid programs are essential for learning how to assist someone experiencing a mental health emergency. Red Cross Psychological First Aid is a resiliency-based program that helps you and others cope with various types of stress. By participating in this program, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of stress and learn effective techniques to deal with it.

Duration:

12 hours in-class OR 45-90 minutes online learning and 7 hours in-class

Prerequisites

• 16 years of age, adult support recommended for younger audiences
• Psychological First Aid - Self-Care online course (required for blended option only)

Completion

• Successfully participate in 100% of the in-class course
• Successfully complete the online course: Psychological First Aid – Self-Care (required for blended option only)

Certification

3-year certification in Psychological First Aid

Course Content

Case-based learning and discussion will be tailored to the audience and include the following content:

• Introduction to Red Cross
• Case Studies
• Psychological First Aid
• Operational Principles
• Stress, Distress
• Loss and Grief
• Trauma
• Indicators
• Vulnerable Populations
• Supportive Communication
• Look, Listen, Link, Live
• Resiliency and Protective Factors
• Protection
• Policies, Legislation
• Self-Care

Participant Materials

• Psychological First Aid Workbook (print)
• Look, Listen, Link, Live cards
• Psychological First Aid–Self-Care online course (required for blended option)
• Psychological First Aid–Caring for Others online course (optional)