This guide focuses on psychological first aid, which involves humane, supportive and practical help to fellow human beings suffering serious crisis events. It is written for people who can help others experiencing an extremely distressing event. This guide is an adaptation of the Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers (World Health Organization, War Trauma Foundation, World Vision International, 2011). It has been adapted to better respond to the challenges of Ebola virus disease outbreaks. Ebola poses specific problems for affected people (e.g., stigmatization, isolation, fear, and possible abandonment), their caregivers and responders (e.g., safety, access to updated information).
Please note that this is a provisional version. As knowledge on Ebola-related safety measures accumulates, updates may be made to the document. The latest version can be accessed here: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/131682/1/9789241548847_eng.pdf?ua=1
