Psychological First Aid (PFA) Tutorial vs Beyond MST

The Psychological First Aid (PFA) Tutorial provides a quick and thorough review for those who have previously received training to provide PFA. First responders, health care providers, mental health providers, MRC volunteers, students, and others will find this an easy to use resource while in the field following a traumatic event, natural disaster, public health emergency, act of terrorism, or personal crisis. Key Features: * Reviews the four core actions of PFA providers: - Promote Safety - Promote Calm and Comfort - Promote Connectedness - Promote Self Empowerment * Reviews ways to engage with disaster survivors in a supportive manner * Lists common reactions to traumatic events * Outlines how to recognize when a referral to a mental health provider or other provider is indicated * Practice scenarios provide an opportunity to check understanding * Reviews self-care actions appropriate for PFA providers and responders before, during and after responding to an emergency event This training resource was developed by University of Minnesota: Simulations, Exercises, and Effective Education Preparedness and Emergency Response Learning Center (U-SEEE PERL), which is supported in part by the Grant Number 1U90TP000418 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC. U-SEEE PERL Principal Investigator: Debra K. Olson.

Beyond MST is a free, secure, trauma-sensitive mobile app that was created specifically to support the health and well-being of survivors of sexual assault or harassment during military service, also called military sexual trauma (MST). The app has over 30 specialized tools and other features to help those who use it cope with challenges, manage symptoms, improve their quality of life and find hope. You can also take brief assessments in the app, set self-care goals, track recovery progress, and learn more about MST and common concerns. You can use the app on your own or as a companion to formal treatment, and it may be helpful to survivors of other types of unwanted sexual experiences, too. The app keeps your information private; no account is needed, and any personal information entered in the app is not shared with anyone, including the VA. You can set a PIN lock for extra privacy. You are not alone: the Beyond MST app can help. Beyond MST was made by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Mobile Mental Health team at the National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division in collaboration with the National Center for PTSD, Women’s Health Sciences Division and the national VA MST Support Team.