NATURAL DISASTERS - Answers - Hurricanes
- Earthquakes
- Floods
- Tsunamis
- Tornadoes
- Health/ epidemics
- Fire
- Avalanches
MAN MADE DISASTERS - Answers - Terrorist incidents
- Engineering failures
- Environmental disasters
- Explosions
- Industrial accidents
- Fire
SOCIAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES CAUSED - Answers Loss of:
- loved ones
- possessions
- income
- social cohesion
- safety/dignity
- self-image
- trust/future
- control
COGNITIVE - Answers - poor concentration
,- confusion
- indecisiveness
- memory loss
- preoccupation
- short attention span
PHYSICAL - Answers - poor sleep
- nausea
- gastro-intenstianl problems
- hyper-arousal
- rapid heart rate
- dizziness
- fatigue
EMOTIONAL - Answers - shock
- depression
- anxiety
- feeling nothing
- volatile emotions
- fear
- overwhelmed
BEHAVIORAL - Answers - suspicion
- irritability
- argument with loved ones
- sexual desire/functioning
- increased drinking/eating
- withdrawal
, DISASTER AXIOMS - Answers - No One Who Witnesses a Disaster is untouched by the Experience.
- Disaster Reactions are Normal Reactions for Abnormal Circumstances
- In Disasters, Mental Health Assistance is often more "Practical" than "Psychological"
- Most People Do Not Seek Mental Health Service After a Disaster
PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID - Answers - Evidence-informed approach to help children, adolescents,
adults, families in the aftermath of disaster and terrorism to reduce stress and foster adaptive
functioning and coping.
- The practice of recognizing and responding to people who need help because they are feeling stress,
resulting from the disaster situations within which they find themselves.
- A supportive and compassionate presence designed to reduce acute psychological distress and/or
facilitate continued support if necessary
PRIMARY GOAL OF PFA - Answers - re-estabish immediate coping
WHY IS PFA IMPORTANT - Answers - Create a compassionate environment for disaster survivors and
workers.
- Assess what a person might need at a particular time.
- Provide immediate support to those in stressful situations.
- Help others cope in the face of stressful events.
BASIC SKILLS - Answers 1. PROTECT (The individual from or perception of further harm)
2. DIRECT (the individual to a quiet safe area and provide a compassionate presence)
3. CONNECT (The individual with further support, and/or services)
BASIC PRINCIPLES & OBJECTIVES - Answers - Establish a human connection in a compassionate manner
- Promote Safety
- Care for basic needs
- Create Calm
- Let them tell their story
- Validate feelings
- Support adaptive coping