In Dnipro, a series of training sessions on psychological first aid for emergency services took place

The training was held as part of the Multisectoral Emergency Response Programme, implemented with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and BHA (Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance). Over two days, employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine took part, while the third day was dedicated to staff from the National Police of Ukraine.

The programme included both theoretical and practical components. Participants not only learned the core principles of psychological first aid (PFA) — Look. Listen. Link. — but also took part in role-playing exercises, practised complex scenarios involving interactions with people in distress, and were introduced to self-regulation and breathing techniques.

Particular attention was given to crisis reactions, challenging emotional states, and the importance of self-care and team wellbeing under conditions of constant pressure and high responsibility.

Preparing emergency service personnel to provide psychological first aid is not only about supporting their professional resilience — it also helps strengthen communities’ ability to cope with the effects of crisis events.