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Psychological first aid after a distressing hospital incident

A practical reference for helping a colleague with dignity after an extremely distressing event.

2011 guide · Psychological first aid for field workers

AI-assisted summary of the attributed source. The original publisher retains authorship of its publication. Local discussion prompts are our suggestions.

What the source explains

WHO’s guide, developed with the War Trauma Foundation and World Vision International, describes humane and practical support after a serious crisis. It emphasises respect for the person’s dignity, culture and abilities. The guide is written for people positioned to help others; it does not turn a colleague into a therapist or provide an individual diagnosis. Supporting an injured doctor can involve ordinary practical needs as well as access to professional care.

Using this reading in your hospital

Offer a quiet place, help contacting a trusted person and assistance with immediate practical arrangements. Ask what support is wanted. Keep an operational review separate from a colleague’s private emotional experience, and avoid requiring public retelling as a condition of receiving help.

A question for your team

Who can help an affected colleague with transport, a replacement shift or contacting family, without making them explain everything repeatedly?

Original source

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