Guiding Principles of Emotional First Aid

Emotional First Aid is not about techniques or scripts—it is guided by core principles that shape how we show up for people in crisis. These principles help ensure that our presence supports survivors rather than adding to their distress.

When tragedy strikes, how we help matters as much as that we help.

Why Guiding Principles Matter

In moments of shock and grief, survivors are vulnerable. Helpers may feel pressure to say the right thing, do something helpful, or make the pain go away.

The guiding principles of Emotional First Aid remind us to:

  • Slow down

  • Stay grounded

  • Respect the survivor’s experience

  • Offer presence instead of solutions

These principles provide a steady foundation when emotions are intense and uncertainty is high.

Core Guiding Principles of Emotional First Aid

Be Present

Your calm, respectful presence is often the most powerful form of support. You do not need to fill silence or have answers. Simply being there can help survivors feel less alone.

Listen Without Judgment

Allow survivors to share their story in their own words and at their own pace. Avoid correcting, reframing, or minimizing what they express

Listening communicates respect and validation.

Acknowledge the Survivor’s Experience

Acknowledge what the survivor is feeling without trying to fix it. Statements that reflect understanding help survivors feel seen and heard.

Validation does not mean agreement—it means recognizing their experience as real.

Avoid Giving Advice

Advice, explanations, or reassurances may feel dismissive during the early hours after tragedy. Survivors are often not ready to problem-solve.

Focus on support, not solutions.

Normalize Reactions

Help survivors understand that many emotional and physical reactions are common after trauma. Normalizing reactions can reduce fear and self-doubt.

Respect the Survivor’s Pace

Everyone processes trauma differently. Allow survivors to decide what they share, when they share it, and what support they want.

Do not rush healing.

Maintain Humility

Helpers do not need to be experts. Approach survivors with humility, compassion, and openness rather than authority or certainty.

Putting Principles Into Practice

These guiding principles are woven throughout Emotional First Aid. They shape how we reach out, listen, respond, and remain present during the Horrible Hours.

When helpers follow these principles, survivors are more likely to feel:

  • Safe

  • Respected

  • Supported

  • Less alone

Printable Guide: Guiding Principles of Emotional First Aid

For a concise, printable overview of these principles, download the guide below.

Guiding Principles of Emotional First Aid
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Learn more about Emotional First Aid and how these skills work together.