RAPID Psychological First Aid (RAPID PFA) is an intervention specifically designed to guide individuals through the evidence-based and validated PFA training. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a humane, supportive response to a fellow human being who is suffering and who may need support. It is meant to be utilized by individuals without formal mental health training, enabling them to effectively address surging mental health levels following a disaster. RAPID PFA trains individuals to administer psychological first aid while walking through the process of the five steps simplified in the acronym RAPID.

• Free, online, asynchronous, self-paced course

• Free Zoom workshop with roleplay elements

• Free in-person workshop with roleplay elements

If you are interested in completing any of our RAPID PFA trainings, the online course link can be accessed below. Check out this form for any other inquiries regarding hybrid and in-person training. 

APP-PHI offers a free online course to any community members interested in gaining and developing the skills for administering RAPID PFA. You do not have to be a professional in a relevant field or have any formal training to take this course! 

The course was created by Johns Hopkins University. APP-PHI has adopted the course and made adaptations to best fit the needs and desires of the local rural Appalachian community, focusing on increasing accessibility and . You may hear the APP-PHI version referred to as Revamped RAPID PFA.

Click here to check out our free online course to walk you through RAPID PFA.