An incident is like a stone hitting a pond. The stone is the casualty, but every ripple is another layer, another person affected by the incident, everyone is a casualty. 

 

When people think about first aid, they usually picture bandages, tourniquets, CPR or defibrillators. 

 

They rarely think about words. 

 

Yet in many emergencies, one of the most important treatments you can provide is helping someone feel safe, heard and less alone. 

 

Psychological First Aid (PFA) isn't counselling. It isn't therapy. It doesn't require a psychology degree. It is simply another part of good casualty care. 

 

As wilderness medicine has evolved, organisations such as the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) and clinicians including Dr Patrick Fink have increasingly highlighted that treating the person is just as important as treating the injury.