Primeros Auxilios Psicológicos (PAP) Course Syllabus

This comprehensive course on Psychological First Aid (PAP) equips you with essential skills to provide mental health support during crises and disasters. Over approximately 23 hours, you will learn to recognize psychological trauma, understand stress responses, and apply evidence-based intervention techniques. Designed for professionals, volunteers, and community responders, this beginner-level course from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona combines theory with practical scenarios to prepare you for real-world crisis intervention.

Module 1: Introduction to Disasters and Psychological First Aid

Explore the concept of disasters—both natural and human-made—and their immediate and long-term consequences on physical and mental health. Learn the fundamentals of Psychological First Aid, its historical development, and why early psychological intervention is critical in preventing chronic mental health complications following traumatic events.

• Defining disasters: natural and human-made events
• Immediate psychological impact on individuals and communities
• History and evidence base of Psychological First Aid (PAP)
• The importance of early intervention in crisis response

Estimated time: 3 hours

Module 2: Stress Responses and Mental Health Disorders

Examine acute stress reactions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including other trauma-related conditions. Identify symptoms, risk factors, and vulnerable populations. Understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these disorders and why certain individuals are more susceptible to psychological complications.

• Acute stress disorder and normal stress reactions
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): diagnosis and symptoms
• Anxiety, depression, and grief following trauma
• Risk factors and protective factors in trauma response

Estimated time: 4 hours

Module 3: Core Principles and Objectives of Psychological First Aid

Delve into the eight core principles that guide PAP interventions, established by international mental health organizations. Learn the primary objectives of providing immediate relief, promoting safety, and supporting coping mechanisms. Examine ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity essential for effective crisis response.

• The eight core principles of Psychological First Aid
• Ensuring safety and stabilization
• Ethical guidelines and informed consent
• Cultural competence and sensitivity in diverse communities

Estimated time: 3 hours

Module 4: Practical PAP Techniques and Interventions

Master the hands-on techniques of psychological first aid, including active listening, grounding techniques, and practical assistance. Learn how to assess immediate needs, provide psychoeducation, and connect affected individuals with formal mental health resources. Develop confidence in delivering support without causing additional harm.

• Active listening and empathetic communication
• Grounding and stabilization techniques
• Providing practical assistance and resource navigation
• Knowing your limits and making appropriate referrals

Estimated time: 3 hours

Module 5: Communication and Support Skills

Develop essential communication competencies for crisis situations, including managing strong emotions, validating feelings, and building trust with traumatized individuals. Learn de-escalation techniques, how to handle resistance or mistrust, and strategies for facilitating peer support networks within affected communities.

• Trauma-informed communication approaches
• Managing emotional reactions and secondary trauma
• Building trust and rapport with affected individuals
• Facilitating group support and community resilience

Estimated time: 3 hours

Module 6: Self-Care, Vicarious Trauma, and Preventing Burnout

Recognize the risks of compassion fatigue and vicarious traumatization among crisis responders. Implement personal self-care strategies, stress management techniques, and organizational protocols that support responder wellbeing. Learn to identify burnout warning signs in yourself and colleagues and access appropriate support resources.

• Understanding vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue
• Personal stress management and resilience building
• Recognizing and responding to burnout
• Creating supportive team environments and peer debriefing

Estimated time: 2 hours

Module 7: Case Studies and Practical Scenarios

Apply your knowledge to realistic, complex scenarios drawn from actual disaster and crisis contexts. Work through case studies involving natural disasters, accidents, violence, and public health emergencies. Analyze appropriate interventions, discuss challenging situations, and develop response strategies tailored to different populations and contexts.

• Natural disaster response scenarios
• Mass casualty and emergency response cases
• Workplace and school crisis situations
• Cultural and vulnerable population considerations

Estimated time: 3 hours

Module 8: Final Project - Crisis Response Plan

Synthesize your learning by developing a comprehensive psychological first aid implementation plan for a specific community or organizational context. Your plan should integrate disaster assessment, intervention protocols, team coordination, and self-care strategies. Present your proposal demonstrating mastery of core PAP principles and practical application skills.

• Situational assessment and needs analysis
• Intervention protocol design and resource mapping
• Team roles, training, and sustainability planning

Estimated time: 2 hours

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of mental health concepts and terminology
• Interest in crisis intervention, community support, or emergency response
• Ability to engage respectfully with sensitive mental health and trauma content

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Recognize and assess the psychological impact of disasters on individuals and diverse communities
• Identify acute stress reactions, PTSD, and other trauma-related disorders in affected individuals
• Apply core principles of Psychological First Aid effectively in crisis and disaster settings
• Communicate with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed techniques
• Implement practical self-care and burnout prevention strategies for responders
• Develop and lead psychological first aid interventions in real-world scenarios
• Connect traumatized individuals with appropriate mental health resources and ongoing support