In the initial phase of psychological first aid, what is a core action?

In the initial phase of psychological first aid, what is a core action?

• A. Make contact and permit expression
• B. Assess long-term prognosis
• C. Draft a formal treatment plan
• D. Refer to a hospital

Answer: (A)

Making contact and permitting expression is a core action because the first step in psychological first aid is to establish a calm, supportive connection and invite the person to share what happened and how they’re feeling. This immediate listening and validation help reduce acute distress, build trust, and clarify immediate needs, guiding what support to offer next. The other options—assessing long-term prognosis, drafting a formal treatment plan, or referring to a hospital—are actions that come later, after basic safety and stabilization have been addressed and more thorough clinical evaluation is appropriate.

Making contact and permitting expression is a core action because the first step in psychological first aid is to establish a calm, supportive connection and invite the person to share what happened and how they’re feeling. This immediate listening and validation help reduce acute distress, build trust, and clarify immediate needs, guiding what support to offer next. The other options—assessing long-term prognosis, drafting a formal treatment plan, or referring to a hospital—are actions that come later, after basic safety and stabilization have been addressed and more thorough clinical evaluation is appropriate.