Confusion, fear, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are some typical stress emotions. Other common symptoms include sleep issues, physical pain, anxiety, anger/grief/shock, aggressiveness, withdrawal, guilt, loss of faith in oneself or others, etc. Psychological first aid is a technique to reduce the uncomfortable range of emotions and responses experienced by people subjected to high stress.

PFA is intended to enhance both short- and long-term adaptive functioning and coping while easing the immediate discomfort brought on by traumatic events. PFA does not presume that all survivors would experience persistent challenges with recovery or serious mental health issues. Instead, it is founded on the knowledge that people who survive disasters and those who are affected by such occurrences would have a wide range of initial emotions (e.g., physical, psychological, behavioural, spiritual). Some of these reactions will be distressing enough to prevent adaptive coping, and support from sympathetic and sympathetic disaster responders may aid in recovery.

PFA is frequently provided in public places, such as at accident scenes, or in settings where people in need are cared for, such as health care facilities, shelters or camps, schools, and locations where food or other forms of assistance are distributed. Ideally, ot is attempted to offer PFA in a setting where the professional may talk with the person alone as needed. For those who have experienced specific crisis situations, such as sexual assault, seclusion is crucial for maintaining confidentiality and upholding the person’s dignity.