PRE-CONFERENCE 3

REGISTRATION & WELCOME REMARKS

• Introduction to Psychological First Aid in Disaster Response

• Case Study Review: The psychological impact of disasters – Hurricane Katrina, COVID-19, earthquakes, war zones

Module 1: Understanding Psychological Reactions to Disasters

• Common psychological responses in disaster survivors & responders (shock, grief, anxiety, PTSD)

• The neurobiology of trauma & stress – How disasters affect the brain and body

• Recognizing high-risk individuals – Children, elderly, individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions

• Case Study: The psychological impact of large-scale displacement and humanitarian crises

🛠 Interactive Exercise:

📌 Role-play: Identifying signs of acute stress, anxiety, and PTSD in disaster survivors

Module 2: Core Principles & Practical Application of Psychological First Aid (PFA)

• The 5 Essential Elements of PFA – Safety, calmness, connectedness, self-efficacy, hope

• Effective verbal & non-verbal communication techniques in crisis situations

• Providing culturally sensitive care in disaster settings

• Addressing misinformation, panic, and mass hysteria in large-scale emergencies

🛠 Hands-on Training:

📌 Applying Psychological First Aid – Interactive role-play with simulated disaster survivors

Module 3: Mental Health Care for First Responders & Frontline Workers

• The mental health burden of disaster responders – burnout, compassion fatigue, moral injury

• Recognizing signs of secondary trauma and vicarious stress

• Self-care strategies for first responders – Stress management & peer support

• Institutional strategies to support responder mental well-being

🛠 Interactive Discussion:

📌 Responder Reflection Session – Personal experiences in high-stress disaster situations

Module 4: Addressing Trauma in Vulnerable Populations

• Psychological needs of children, elderly, refugees, and marginalized communities

• Supporting grieving families and survivors of mass casualty incidents

• Trauma-informed care for gender-based violence (GBV) survivors in conflict/disaster zones

• Case Study: Managing long-term mental health effects post-disaster

🛠 Group Exercise:

📌 Developing a trauma-informed response plan for displaced communities

Module 5:  Full-Scale Crisis Communication & Psychological First Aid Simulation

• Real-time disaster scenario – Participants role-play as crisis responders in a simulated mass casualty disaster

• Active engagement in PFA techniques – Supporting survivors, family members, and responders

• Debriefing & expert feedback – Reflection on intervention strategies, ethical dilemmas, and cultural considerations