Psychological first aid during Ebola virus disease outbreaks, 2nd edition

Overview

This guide focuses on psychological first aid, which involves humane, supportive and practical help to fellow human beings suffering serious crisis events. It is an adaptation of the Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers adapted to better respond to the challenges of Ebola virus disease outbreaks.

This document was provisionally made available in 2014 and this updated 2024 version is published to ensure that all facts on Ebola virus disease (EVD) are in line with the latest evidence. The review and update of the facts (reflected in the Introduction of this document) was initiated in 2024 by WHO staffand consultants working in both the WHO Department of Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use and the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. The 2014 document was searched to identify any instructions or information related to EVD. Any content related to EVD including prevention and control, diagnosis, and treatment in the 2014 version was identified and tabulated for review by the WHO technical leads with expertise in the matter. Based on these inputs, content was then updated. Remaining content in the guide related to training on and provision of psychological first aid was not altered.

To access the manual designed to support facilitators in orienting helpers to offer psychological first aid (PFA) to people affected by an Ebola outbreaks, please visit: PFA Facilitators Manual