Forum: Learning psychological first aid will rally community as first responders
I thank Lau Wai Leong for attending our first aid course, and for advocating the learning of psychological first aid (PFA) (
Time to also learn psychological first aid , Aug 18).
Speaking to someone who is PFA-trained can indeed go a long way to help someone in distress feel heard and be receptive to professional help if needed.
At the Singapore Red Cross Academy, we believe in equipping people not only with life-saving physical skills such as CPR and AED, but also with psychological and social support skills to respond holistically in times of need.
We run the Psychological First Aid+ (PFA+), a beginner-level course designed to equip participants with essential skills to support individuals experiencing emotional distress. This includes mental health literacy, stress management and self-care practices, as well as skills to identify signs of stress and deliver psychological support in emergencies and everyday situations.
This course is eligible for SkillsFuture funding.
We also offer the 'Psychological First Aid with Be A Samaritan', a specialised course that equips learners with the knowledge and skills to help individuals affected by crises in life, as well as suicide prevention skills.
Developed in partnership with the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), the programme empowers participants with practical first-response skills through interactive discussions, scenario-based learning, and role play.
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We encourage everyone, especially frontliners, caregivers, educators and HR professionals, to equip themselves with PFA, so they can be the gentle lifeline offering comfort, reassurance and strength to those at their most vulnerable.
A resilient Singapore begins with each of us. By learning physical and psychological first aid, we widen the safety net – rallying the community as first responders to build a safer, more caring, and compassionate society.
Sahari Ani
Dean and Group Director, Singapore Red Cross Academy
Singapore Red Cross
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