This document outlines the steps of Psychological First Aid and Psychological Debriefing. It describes the LOOK, LISTEN, LINK approach for Psychological First Aid, which involves observing the situation and people's reactions, listening actively without judgment, and helping address needs and connect to support. It then details the 5 steps of Psychological Debriefing: 1) Assess the critical incident, 2) Identify safety and security issues, 3) Allow venting of thoughts and feelings, 4) Share emotional reactions, and 5) Review symptoms and impact of the incident. The overall goal is to help people process and cope with distressing events in a safe, supportive environment.

1. UNDERSTANDING
PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID

2. LOOK
• (Pay attention to a situation)
• Establish what has or is happening.
• Establish who needs help and safety and
security risks.
• Identify physical injuries.
• Identify immediate basic and practical needs.
• Observe emotional reactions.

3. LISTEN
• (Pay attention to the person)
• Introduce yourself.
• Pay attention and listen actively.
• Accept others’ feelings.
• Calm the students in distress.
• Ask about needs and concerns.
• Help the student(s) in distress to find solutions
to their needs and problems.

4. LINK
• (Take action to help)
• Help the students address basic needs
• Help them access services and
• Psycho-educate them on how to cope with
problems
• Give information
• Connect students with loved ones and social
support

5. PSYCHOLOGICAL DEBRIEFING STEPS
Step 1: Assess the Critical Incident
• This is the initial stage of CISD
• assess the specific situation and the people
involved in order to tailor each step to meet
the needs of all the girls.
• Introduction and explaining of the process to
the girls
• set ground rules

6. Step 2: Identify Safety & Security
Issues
• voluntarily sharing and brief, factual account
of the event from students own point of view.
This is a safe discussion that does not dive into
details or emotions.
• Helps them feel safe, reduce anxiety, provide a
sense of personal control, and encourage
discussion.

7. Step 3: Allow Venting of Thoughts, Feelings, & Emotions
• Each express thoughts and feelings about the
critical incident.
• Venting and validation occur so people can
share their emotions in a safe, supportive
environment

8. Step 4: Share Emotional Reactions
• This phase is the heart of CISD and focuses on
the event’s impact on the participants.
• Participants not only process the event and
begin to prepare and plan for the immediate
and long-term future.
• Helps reduce reaction formation and return a
sense of control to the participants

9. Step 5: Review Symptoms & the
Incident’s Impact
• Exploration and expression of their symptoms
and what effect the incident is having on
them.
• This stage helps spot potential problems with
coping, and identify students who may need
additional support.