PRCS Takes Part in a Workshop on the Principles of Psychological First Aid

Gaza - 10/10/2016:  PRCS’ Psycho Social Support  Department took part in a workshop on the principles of Psychological First Aid (PFA) held in Gaza City to mark the World Mental Health Day observed on 10 October every year. Organized by the Gaza Psychological Health Program, the workshop was attended by representatives from local institutions, international organizations and line ministries.

Speaking on behalf of PRCS' Psycho Social Support  Department, Dr. Azmi Al Astal, the Department’s Director in the Gaza Strip, presented a widely acclaimed paper on the Society’s work in this field. The paper focused on PFA delivered during the latest Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, mainly in schools-turned-shelters and during periodic visits to affected areas.

 It also discussed training offered to volunteers, the PFA toolkit, the First Aid Manual recently published by the Department and tools used by the Psychosocial Support Team during emergencies. Dr. Al Astal explained that the Team’s interventions engage volunteers and include live exercises in cooperation with the departments of Emergency Medical Services, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation with a view to building the capacities of volunteers working with the Team.

Dr. Al Astal concluded with a number of recommendations including the need to enhance cooperation with organizations offering PFA services in the Gaza Strip, the need for additional training in this field as well as the importance of creating a national PFA team ready to intervene during emergencies.

He urged participants to adopt these recommendations which stem from the experience gained by PRCS’ teams and volunteers on the ground during Israeli offensives.

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