The Department of Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management

 Is offering the following training to members of the Seacoast area All Hazards Planning response teams and other behavioral health professionals  

"Psychological First Aid"

PFA is an emerging intervention that can be used during the immediate response phase of any critical incident or disaster. The primary objectives of PFA are to promote safety, create calm, connect with others, self-efficacy or empowerment and instill hope.

By completing this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of Psychological First Aid

• Learn communication skills, which will be most effective during disasters

• Recognize normal psychological reactions during disasters

• Teach basic stress management techniques

• Recognize adaptive coping versus maladaptive coping

• Understand the importance of connecting individuals with their primary support systems and recognize the importance of self-care for disaster workers

Psychological First Aid taught by Mark Lindberg and Joan Haskell is scheduled for Friday January 30, 2009 9am-1p.m. at the Center Ossipee Fire Station.  This training is designed to provide the skills to effectively deal with any person experiencing a disaster, also those who are upset, fearful, angry or unable to cope with the current environment. Please contact Kate Cauble if you plan to attend at kemc226@aol.com or (603) 539-6747