ABCDE Manual for Administering Psychological First Aid
Summary
- The main purpose of this manual is to provide guidelines for administering Psychological First Aid under various crisis scenarios, in addition to recovering emotional balance while preventing psychological consequences.
- Designed for use by anyone—not necessarily mental health professionals (i.e., psychologist or psychiatrist)—involved in providing social support during a crisis.
Potential Use
Support tool for firefighters, local government agencies, police, armed forces, foundations and social organizations that must deal with and provide assistance during crises and/or catastrophes.
Development Status
TRL 8 – System complete and qualified (in the field and transferred to Chilean firefighters and National Prosecutor’s Office.
Advantages
- It can be implemented at multiple institutions by simply adapting the protocol to meet specific requirements.
- Available for free download at https://medicina.uc.cl/publicacion/manual-abcde-la-aplicacion-primeros-auxilios-psicologicos/
Intellectual Property
Copyright Registration No. 271,892
Opportunity
- Widespread use of the ABCDE Manual
- Distribution of Psychological First Aid protocol through international organizations.
Research Team
- Rodrigo Figueroa, Ph.D. at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania. Master’s in Health Administration from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile’s School of Administration and School of Medicine. Surgical Doctor from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile specializing in adult psychiatry.
- Paula Cortés, Master’s in Social Psychology from Vrije University, Amsterdam. Psychologist from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.