Which of the following is a core action of psychological first aid?

• A. Establish safety
• B. Refrain from contacting social supports
• C. Dismiss emotional reactions
• D. Avoid cultural considerations

Answer: (A)

Establishing safety is central to psychological first aid because the immediate priority after a crisis is to ensure people feel physically protected and emotionally supported so they can begin to cope. This means securing a safe environment, addressing urgent hazards or basic needs like shelter or medical care, and offering a calm, steady presence that helps reduce acute distress. When safety is in place, individuals are better positioned to receive information, plan practical help, and reconnect with their social networks and services—all of which are core parts of how PFA supports early recovery.

The other approaches conflict with this approach: avoiding contact with social supports goes against mobilizing the networks that provide ongoing safety and resources; dismissing emotional reactions invalidates what people are feeling and can hinder their healing; and ignoring cultural considerations overlooks language, beliefs, and practices that shape how someone experiences and copes with distress.