A Guiding Resource
First Supporters is available in many languages to equip non-professionals and professionals, councilors, friends and family members with tools to offer immediate emotional care to help those that have been effected by traumatic events.
Need Help NOW? Read Immediate Care Below.
For non professionals
Helping those you care for to navigate the aftermath of school shootings, SA, crisis, world events, and more during critical moments.
Our resources are designed to help you bridge the gap until professional or medical help is available to you, empowering you to offer calm and empathetic care until help is obtained.
Understanding Trauma
What Is Trauma? - Overview of acute trauma and its impact on the brain and body.
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Acute trauma is a distressing event that overwhelms a person's ability to cope, triggering intense fear or helplessness.
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Trauma activates the "fight, flight, or freeze" response, affecting the brain’s ability to process emotions and memories.
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The body may respond with physical signs like rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, or muscle tension. Watch the video
Fight, Flight, or Freeze - Understanding the physical responses to trauma.
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The "fight, flight, or freeze" response is the body’s automatic reaction to perceived danger, driven by the nervous system.
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It prepares the body to act: fight (confront), flight (escape), or freeze (become immobile).
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These responses are survival mechanisms but can feel overwhelming or disorienting during and after trauma. Watch the video
The Role of Safety in Trauma Recovery - Why creating a sense of safety is critical.
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A sense of safety is the foundation for trauma recovery, helping the nervous system shift out of survival mode.
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Physical and emotional safety allows the brain and body to begin healing and processing the traumatic experience.
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Simple actions like calm presence, reassurance, and a secure environment foster this essential sense of safety. Watch the video
How Trauma Affects Children vs. Adults - Age-specific responses to trauma.
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Children may show trauma through behaviors like regression, clinginess, or difficulty expressing emotions.
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Adults often process trauma through emotional distress, avoidance, or heightened alertness, shaped by life experiences.
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Children rely more on caregivers for safety, while adults may focus on regaining control or understanding the event. Watch the video
Immediate Care After Event
First Supporters Techniques
How to stabilize emotions and surroundings:
• Create safety: Remove the person from danger or chaos.
• Stay calm: Regulate yourself and them by using a kind tone of voice and relaxed body language.
• Validate their feelings: Acknowledge their experience without judgment.
• Do not overwhelm them with questions—focus on providing a calm presence.
Listening Skills
Use compassionate listening:
• Listen more than you speak. Avoid offering solutions unless asked.
• Reassure with simple phrases: “I’m here for you” or “You’re with me now.” "You are here (location)".
• Avoid minimizing statements like, “It’s going to be fine.”
Tone of Voice & Body Language
Convey calmness and trust:
• Speak slowly, in gentle, soothing tones.
• Maintain an open posture towards them, making gentle eye contact (if appropriate).
• Avoid abrupt movements, low vocal tone or loud speech.
Physical Comfort
Address immediate needs for safety and grounding:
• Offer water, a blanket, or a warm drink if appropriate.
• Ask if they want to sit down or stand.
• Avoid physical contact unless they initiate it or explicitly ask for it.
• If there is a blanket available, ask if they would like to swaddle themselves with it.
What NOT to Do
Common pitfalls to avoid:
• Don’t push them to “talk about it” immediately.
• Don’t dismiss their feelings or make assumptions.
• Don’t intervene with authorities unless you’re trained, except to ensure immediate safety.
Education Through Videos
first supporters key Principles
Keys To Success for First Supporters
Safety First
Create a secure physical and emotional environment to
help the person feel protected and grounded.
Calm is Contagious
Maintain a steady tone of voice, calm demeanor, and
composed body language to de-escalate distress.
Listen Without Judgment
Offer your full presence and actively listen
without interrupting, criticizing, or giving unsolicited advice.
Validate Their Experience
Acknowledge their emotions and let them know
it’s okay to feel however they feel. Avoid minimizing their experience.
Do No Harm
Avoid actions or words that could exacerbate distress, so
don't ask for details of the event or make assumptions about their needs.
Focus on the Present
Use grounding techniques to help them stay connected to the
present moment, especially if they are overwhelmed or disoriented.
Be a Bridge, Not a Fixer
Recognize your role as a supporter who helps
stabilize the situation until professional help is available.
Respect Autonomy
Empower the person to make choices about
what feels best for them and avoid imposing your own solutions.
Know Your Limits
Understand that you are not a replacement for medical or
psychological professionals. Seek expert help when needed.
Cultural Sensitivity
Approach each person with respect for their cultural background and individual needs,
ensuring your support is inclusive and non-intrusive.