CorePass® Psychological First Aid

CorePass® Psychological First Aid: Empowering responders to provide best practice mental health first aid.

Are you ready for new OSHA requirements?

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health challenges are on the rise, and emergency service organizations (ESOs) are at the forefront of addressing these issues. The ability to provide immediate psychological support during crises can make a profound difference in people’s lives. IPSQA’s Psychological First Aid (PFA) CorePass® equips responders with essential skills to recognise distress, offer crucial support, and guide individuals towards recovery. These CorePass® certifications are vital for creating a more resilient society, where timely intervention can prevent long-term mental health issues and promote overall well-being.

The importance of CorePass® PFA certifications has been further underscored by proposed changes to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. These new standards require ESOs to offer comprehensive behavioral wellness resources and maintain confidential records of mental health-related incidents. The expanded scope of emergency response now includes pre-hospital EMS and technical search and rescue services, increasing the likelihood of responders encountering situations requiring psychological first aid skills. By obtaining CorePass® PFA certifications, candidates not only gain the confidence and competence to assist those in emotional turmoil effectively but also help their organizations meet these new regulatory requirements.

Whether dealing with everyday stressors or responding to large-scale disasters, certified individuals become invaluable assets in their communities, workplaces, and personal lives. CorePass® PFA enhances the capabilities of professional responders and empower ordinary citizens to make a meaningful impact during challenging times, and ensure that ESOs are well-prepared to meet the evolving standards of emergency response and mental health support.

CorePass® Psychological First Aid I (Basic)

This foundational certification ensures candidates have essential skills to provide initial psychological support, including they are able to:

Recognise signs of mental health distress using the Stress Continuum model
Understand and apply core principles of psychological first aid
Demonstrate active listening techniques for emotional support
Identify stress zones and provide appropriate initial support
Suggest effective self-care strategies for stress management
Apply personal resilience techniques as a responder
Offer supportive communication for individuals in mild distress
Utilise the “Look, Listen, Link” framework in crisis situations
Categorise behaviours into green, yellow, orange, or red stress zones
Encourage coping mechanisms such as breathing exercises and mindfulness

CorePass® Psychological First Aid II (Intermediate)

Pre-requisite: CorePass® Psychological First Aid I

This intermediate certification builds upon the basic level, preparing candidates to handle more complex mental health challenges:

Assess and respond to severe psychological distress, including trauma and suicidal ideation
Apply trauma-informed care principles during interventions
Provide empathetic support in grief and loss situations
Develop response plans for escalating mental health crises
Recognise risk factors for suicide and self-harm behaviours
Demonstrate advanced active listening skills under pressure
Coordinate effective referrals to professional services
Adapt interventions for vulnerable populations
Promote evidence-based resilience-building practices
Navigate ethical considerations in mental health first aid

Target Audience

First responders and emergency service personnel
Security officers
Healthcare professionals and social workers
Teachers and school staff
Human resources professionals
Community leaders and volunteers

Both CorePass® certifications are aligned with globally recognised standards from the Red Cross Psychological First Aid Guide and the Responder Alliance Stress Continuum framework. Candidates will have their practical skills assessed through role-play scenarios, case studies, and interactive exercises, ensuring they are ready to provide effective psychological support in various situations and meet the evolving requirements for mental health competency in emergency services.

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Approved References

Across the IPSQA psychological first aid series candidates must demonstrate knowledge and skills consistently with approved references such as the Red Cross Guide to Psychological First Aid and resources from the Responder Alliance.