Psychological First Aid is a supportive intervention for the immediate consequences after traumatic events. It is a modular, evidence-based approach designed to reduce initial emotional distress caused by potentially traumatic events and to promote long-term adaptive functioning and coping. First aid has basic pillars. They are: (1) are consistent with research evidence on risk and resilience after a critical event; (2) applicable and practical in first-line environments, in critical situations; (3) suitable for different levels of development throughout life; and (4) culturally adjusted, flexibly facilitated. Psychological First Aid does not assume that all individuals will develop serious mental health problems or difficulties with long-term recovery. It is based on the understanding that those who have been impacted by traumatic events may experience a wide range of early reactions (e.g., physical, psychological, behavioral). The support of those who have training and know how to adjust proactively, but with an awareness of the stopping points and with the aim of promoting recovery.
moderator
speakers
Lídia Serra
Speaker
speakers
Susana Margarida Gouveia
Has a degree in Psychology (Coimbra); Postgraduate in Business Management – Marketing (Évora); Master's Degree in Management, specialization in Human Resources (Évora).
Psychologist specializing in Work, Social and Organizational Psychology and Community Psychology. Expert and Trainer in Psychotraumatology.
She was Supervisor of the Mental Health Team of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS – Jesuit Refugee Service) and of the team of volunteers of the Company's Listening Service
Of Jesus.
For around ten years, she has been an associate researcher at the Trauma Observatory, belonging to the Center for Social Studies at the University of Coimbra.
Lecturer in four postgraduate courses related to psychosocial intervention in crisis, missions and humanitarian aid: Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa; Portuguese Institute of Psychology; Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences; and, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Algarve).
Collaborated: Portuguese Red Cross (16 years); Associação Médicos do Mundo Portugal (1 year); European Anti Poverty Network – Portugal (14 months).
She returned to the Portuguese Red Cross on December 13, 2021 and, until September 16, 2021, she was Coordinator of the Emergency Reception Unit installed at the Former Military Hospital of Belém – which received 132 citizens from Afghanistan, in conjunction with the Ministry of National Defense.
Currently, she is a psychologist at the Portuguese Red Cross (National Headquarters) and manager of the international project, co-financed by the European Union (EU4Health), in conjunction with
closely with the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Psychosocial Center – involving 24 IFRC National Societies and working to disseminate
mass of psychological first aid.
References
Anaut, M. (2005). Resilience. Overcoming trauma. Lisbon: Climepsi Editores.
Handbook for Delegates. The International Red Cross and red Crescent. 2002.
The Sphere Handbook. Humanitarian Charter and minimum standards in humanitarian response. 2018 Edition