Paper: Psychological First Aid training helps EMS workers

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A dissertation , Community-based psychological first aid for emergency medical service providers: Mental health stigma, resilience, and social support, published at the University of South Dakota took a look at the effect of Psychological First Aid (PFA) training on EMS workers. Although the study did not confirm the researcher’s hypotheses about why there is stigma in EMS around asking for psychological help, there were two positive findings. Knowledge of PFA gave EMS workers a greater sense that they are supported and a decrease in the self-stigma of getting help.

Results are supportive of PFA as a practical and effective psychosocial support method for EMS providers. The present study contributes to the limited literature on psychological support for EMS providers and invites further research on the topic.