When should psychological first aid be administered?

Psychological first aid is designed to provide immediate support to individuals who have experienced a traumatic or critical incident. It is crucial to deliver this aid as soon as possible after the event in order to help stabilize the emotional and psychological state of the affected individuals. This proactive approach helps to mitigate the long-term psychological impacts of trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.

Administering psychological first aid immediately after a critical incident ensures that those affected receive timely support, which can promote resilience and recovery. This intervention typically involves offering practical assistance, emotional support, and connecting individuals with additional resources, which is most effective right after the trauma occurs when individuals are still processing the event and are in need of immediate reassurance and coping strategies.

The other options suggest delaying intervention until after medical treatment, an investigation, or during fundraising activities, which does not align with the principles of psychological first aid that emphasize the need for timely support in the aftermath of distressing events.