Mobile App: PFA Mobile

Following disasters or emergencies, the PFA Mobile app can assist responders who provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) to adults, families, and children. Materials in PFA Mobile are adapted from the Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide (2nd Edition).

The app allows responders to:

• Read summaries of the 8 core PFA actions.
• Match PFA interventions to specific stress reactions of survivors.
• Get mentor tips for applying PFA in the field.
• Self-assess to determine their own readiness to conduct PFA.
• Assess and track survivors' needs to simplify data collection and referrals.

Download the mobile app

Free PFA Mobile download from:
iTunes (iOS)* (PFA will be available for Android devices in 2013.)

How to use PFA Mobile

PFA Mobile is not intended to train responders on PFA. This app allows responders to review PFA guidelines and listen to mentoring tips to put PFA into practice in the field. Learn how to provide PFA using the Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide (2nd Edition). Free online training in providing PFA is also available from this link.

NOTE: PFA Mobile is not meant to be a replacement for PFA training. This app is a supplement to other resources trained individuals utilize before, during, and after a disaster response.

Privacy and security

Any data created by the user of this app are only as secure as the phone/device itself. Use the security features on your device if you are concerned about the privacy of your information. Users are free to share data, but as the self-monitoring data belong to each user, HIPAA concerns do not apply while the data is stored or shared. If the user were to transmit or share data with a health care provider, the provider must then comply with HIPAA rules.

Who created PFA Mobile

PFA Mobile was created by the VA's National Center for PTSD in partnership with The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the DoD's National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2), and the VA's Patient Care Services.