Introduction to Psychological First Aid

This interactive Psychological First Aid seminar is designed for Colorado Mountain Club trip leaders, instructors, and members who venture into the backcountry. Dr. Afik Faerman will combine a presentation introducing the principles of Psychological First Aid with hands-on practice using realistic outdoor scenarios. Participants will learn to recognize signs of emotional distress, communicate calmly and effectively with distressed or overwhelmed individuals, provide reassurance and practical support during an emergency, and help manage group stress while awaiting assistance. Through guided exercises and discussion, participants will be introduced to practical skills they can apply when a backcountry incident affects the emotional well-being of an individual or group.

Dr. Afik Faerman is a clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychology. His work spans neurocognitive and psychological testing, targeted clinical interventions, and processes impacting cognition, sleep, and performance. Dr. Faerman trained in academic medical settings within psychiatry, neurology, and neurosurgery departments. Actively working in neurorehabilitation, Dr. Faerman provides psychological and neuropsychological services that clarify the connections between cognition, mood, behavior, and performance. His recent research focused on psychological and cognitive outcomes in individuals with a history of brain injury, including psychedelic interventions, sleep, and neurobehavioral functioning. He is also interested in neuropsychological considerations for extreme environments. Dr. Faerman volunteered with IsraAID (an NGO that responds to emergencies worldwide, focusing on post-disaster community rehabilitation) where he evaluated and supported the psychosocial needs of communities affected by the Camp Fires (2018) and Tubbs Fires (2017) in Northern California, and led free community sessions on stress management during the COVID-19 outbreak (2020). Throughout his work with IsraAID, he developed an interest in psychological first aid (PFA) and supporting individuals and communities in crisis situations.