Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/psychological-first-aid
### Course Review: Psychological First Aid on Coursera In today’s fast-paced world, emergencies can arise at any moment, leaving individuals in distress and uncertainty. The **Psychological First Aid** course offered on Coursera is designed to equip you with the essential skills needed to provide mental support during such crises. This course stands out for its structured approach, utilizing the novel RAPID model: Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition. #### Overview and Structure The course is thoughtfully structured into five comprehensive weeks, each focusing on different facets of the RAPID model. It encompasses a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical strategies, and self-care techniques for those providing psychological first aid. 1. **Introduction** The first week sets the stage with a pre-course survey, laying a foundation for your understanding of psychological first aid. Engaging lectures on historical context and key concepts accompany a simulated evaluation to demonstrate PFA in action. Not only does this prepare you for the course content, but it also fosters an understanding of the vital role mental health plays in emergencies. 2. **Reflective Listening/Rapport** In the second week, you dive deeper into the “Reflective Listening” component. You’ll learn techniques that promote rapport with individuals in distress, showing empathy and support while ensuring that they feel heard and understood. This is crucial, as building trust can significantly influence the effectiveness of subsequent interventions. 3. **Assessment and Prioritization** The third week emphasizes “Assessment and Prioritization.” Here, you will develop your skills in evaluating the needs of individuals in a given situation and determining the urgency of those needs. The ability to prioritize can mean the difference between effective support and inadequate responses during crises. 4. **Intervention and Disposition** Week four concentrates on “Intervention and Disposition,” elaborating on strategies to provide effective support in the immediate aftermath of an emergency. You will learn practical intervention techniques and gain insights into appropriate follow-up actions, ensuring you are prepared for both immediate and ongoing support. 5. **Self-Care and Wrap-Up** Finally, the course concludes with a critical reflection on self-care for providers. Caring for others can take an emotional toll, and this week emphasizes the importance of maintaining your own mental health while being an active support system for others. You will learn strategies for self-care, ensuring you remain effective in your role as a provider. #### Review and Recommendation The **Psychological First Aid** course is highly recommended for individuals from various backgrounds—whether you are a healthcare professional, a teacher, an HR specialist, or simply someone willing to help in emergencies. The comprehensive syllabus and structured learning approach not only provide essential skills but also enhance your confidence in handling sensitive situations. The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging, making complex concepts easier to grasp. The interactive components, including simulations and discussions, are particularly beneficial in grasping real-world applications. Moreover, the focus on self-care ensures that you don’t just learn to help others but also prioritize your wellbeing, which is essential in this field. If you’re looking to make a tangible impact in people’s lives during critical moments, **Psychological First Aid** is an invaluable course that will prepare you for the challenges and responsibilities of providing support in emergencies. Embrace the opportunity to expand your skills and make a difference—enroll now on Coursera!
Introduction
In this first week, we have some materials to get you oriented, a pre-course survey, two lectures on history and terms and concepts and a simulated look at PFA in action.
Reflective Listening/RapportThis week, we'll be looking more closely at the R component of our RAPID model.
Assessment and PrioritizationThis week, we'll be looking more closely at the A and P components of our RAPID model. A stands for Assessment, and P stands for Prioritization.
Intervention and DispositionThis week, we'll be looking more closely at the I and D components of our RAPID model in Lectures 7 and 8, respectively. I stands for Intervention, and D stands for Disposition.
Self-Care and Wrap-UpNow that we've gone through the entire RAPID model, we'll turn our intention to you, the provider.
Learn to provide psychological first aid to people in an emergency by employing the RAPID model: Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition. Utilizing the RAPID model (Reflective listening, Assessment of needs, Prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition), this specialized course provides perspectives on injuries and trauma that are beyond those physical in nature. The RAPID model is readily applicable to public health settings, the workplace, the
I preferred the RAPID approach. It is like a guide and step by step approach to supporting people in crises. I especially appreciated the simulation videos. It helped with reframing and paraphrasing.
Great structure and interactive format. Clear expectations and excellent materials. Subject was explained in an effective manner that was easily understood and applied. Very useful for any profession!
A wonderful course with clear explanations and case scenarios to help reinforce learning. I was truly engaged throughout the course and felt like I learned a lot more than I anticipated when going in.
Course was easy to digest but very engaging! Dr. George Everly is a remarkable instructor with many years of experience. As a first responder, I look forward to applyinh my learnings in the field :)
I thank you for organizing this super course! I loved the way you demonstrated compassion and being supportive. you have made a difference to me. Thank you. May the Almighty bless you with goodness.