Psychological first aid and where to find professional help
Psychological first aid is the immediate, human support after a distressing event. It requires no training — only attention, listening and knowing where to refer on. It is explicitly not a therapeutic conversation and not a "debriefing".
The principle "Look – Listen – Link" (WHO)
The Swiss Red Cross offers courses on this in the ensa programme "First Aid for Mental Health" (with Pro Mente Sana). The ensa programme uses its own action plan — the idea meant is the same: look, listen, link.
- Look: pay attention to safety, recognise who needs support and who is seriously (also physically) at risk.
- Listen: approach those affected, be present, listen and reassure — without pressing them to tell what they experienced.
- Link: link to basic needs (water, warmth, information), to relatives and to suitable services.
Care teams and emergency psychology in Switzerland
After larger or particularly distressing events, organised psychological emergency aid is available. The National Network for Psychological Emergency Aid (NNPN) coordinates, on behalf of the Confederation, standards for care teams, emergency chaplaincy and emergency psychology. Care teams are mobilised through the emergency services (e.g. the police) and look after those affected and their relatives in the acute phase.
Swiss points of contact
- 143 — Die Dargebotene Hand (The Helping Hand): around the clock, confidential and anonymous on request. Phone, chat, e-mail. (The call costs a few rappen; chat and e-mail are free.)
- 147 — Pro Juventute: for children and young people, around the clock, free of charge (does not appear on the bill). Phone, SMS, chat, app.
- Pro Mente Sana: free psychosocial and legal counselling around mental health (at fixed times, not around the clock).
- Family doctor: first medical point of contact for persistent distress.
- Chaplaincy: available in many municipalities and hospitals.
After the event — what is normal and when to get help
In the days afterwards, reactions such as sleep problems, recurring images, irritability, withdrawal or exhaustion are normal and usually subside on their own. Get help if complaints persist over several weeks or grow stronger, if everyday life/work/relationships suffer, or if thoughts arise of harming yourself or others — then call 143 immediately, in case of acute danger 144/117.
- For beginners: you don't have to say anything "right". Staying there, listening and pointing to the right number is real help.
- Expert tip: refrain from forced "debriefing" right after the event. Stabilise, secure basic needs, link — and hand over to professionals if needed.