Emotional Support

TL;DR

Providing psychological comfort to individuals during and after emergencies.

What is Emotional Support?

Emotional support is a critical aspect of first aid and emergency response, as traumatic events can have significant psychological impacts on casualties, bystanders, and responders.

Providing emotional support involves offering comfort, reassurance, and understanding to those affected by an emergency. This can help alleviate anxiety, fear, and stress, promoting a sense of safety and security.

Key elements of providing emotional support include active listening, maintaining a calm and compassionate demeanour, and validating the feelings and experiences of those affected.

In the aftermath of an emergency, it is essential to encourage those involved to express their emotions and talk about their experiences. This can help prevent the development of long-term psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Providing information about available resources, such as counselling services and support groups, can also be beneficial. Ensuring that responders and those affected have access to debriefing sessions and psychological first aid can aid in the recovery process.

Emotional support not only helps individuals cope with the immediate aftermath of an incident but also contributes to their overall resilience and mental well-being.

Providing Emotional Support

• Listen Actively: Allow the person to express their feelings without interruption.
• Be Empathetic: Show understanding and compassion.
• Offer Reassurance: Provide positive affirmation and comfort.
• Encourage Professional Help: Suggest seeking further support from a counselor or mental health professional if needed.

Takeaway to remember

Emotional support involves providing comfort, reassurance, and understanding to someone who is distressed or experiencing a crisis.

Reference

• First Aid eBook