title: Implementing psychological first-aid training for medical reserve corps volunteers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We assessed the feasibility and impact on knowledge, attitudes, and reported practices of psychological first-aid (PFA) training in a sample of Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) members. Data have been limited on the uptake of PFA training in surge responders (eg, MRC) who are critical to community response.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our mixed-methods approach involved self-administered pre- and post-training surveys and within-training focus group discussions of 76 MRC members attending a PFA training and train-the-trainer workshop. Listen, protect, connect (a PFA model for lay persons) focuses on listening and understanding both verbal and nonverbal cues; protecting the individual by determining realistic ways to help while providing reassurance; and connecting the individual with resources in the community.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From pre- to post-training, perceived confidence and capability in using PFA after an emergency or disaster increased from 71% to 90% (P < .01), but no significant increase was found in PFA-related knowledge. Qualitative analyses suggest that knowledge and intentions to use PFA increased with training. Brief training was feasible, and while results were modest, the PFA training resulted in greater reported confidence and perceived capability in addressing psychological distress of persons affected by public health threats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PFA training is a promising approach to improve surge responder confidence and competency in addressing postdisaster needs.
authors.affiliation: RAND Corporation, Arlington, Virginia, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chandra
authors.affiliation: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Jee
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Huibrie C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Pieters
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Services and Society, University of California, Los Angeles Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Services and Society, University of California, Los Angeles Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McCreary
authors.affiliation: University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California.
authors.forename: Merritt
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schreiber
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Services and Society, University of California, Los Angeles Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wells
mesh_terms: D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004190:Disasters; D005392:First Aid / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D014838:Volunteers