The Power of Emotional First Aid

“Minutes of skillful support by any sensitive person immediately after the trauma can be worth more than hours of professional counseling later.”
— Bard & Sanger, The Crime Victim’s Book

Providing Emotional First Aid is not a complicated process.

The skills are simple, and the interaction between the helper and the survivor is often brief. Because it seems so small, it’s easy to underestimate its value. But in reality, nothing could be more powerful.

At TIP, we’ve seen firsthand the lasting and profound impact our volunteers have on survivors. In thousands of thank-you letters, survivors share words like:

  • “Your volunteer was an angel.”

  • “I’ll never forget the volunteer.”

  • “I would not have survived without the volunteer.”

Here are just a few examples of what survivors have shared:

“The volunteer was truly a life saver. I am so thankful there are people like you who choose to volunteer and help those of us in such pain and disbelief.”

“The volunteer really meant a lot to my husband and me. We talked about her for quite a while afterward and told numerous people about her.”

“Our experience with your organization in our time of need was beyond words. While in the hospital dealing with the unexpected death of a family member, I experienced the loving kindness of strangers firsthand.”

“My volunteer made a horrible time bearable. I would never have comprehended the details presented without her sweet and knowledgeable guidance.”

Why Does It Matter So Much?

After a traumatic event, survivors are often vulnerable, disoriented, and emotionally raw. Even though they may seem “in shock,” they are acutely aware of their surroundings. They notice small but meaningful things—like a helper’s tone of voice, calm presence, or reassuring touch.

If the helper’s presence is insensitive or rushed, the survivor may feel further injured. But when the helper offers warmth, compassion, and calm, that care becomes a source of comfort and healing.

Why Does It Matter So Much?

After a traumatic event, survivors are often vulnerable, disoriented, and emotionally raw. Even though they may seem “in shock,” they are acutely aware of their surroundings. They notice small but meaningful things—like a helper’s tone of voice, calm presence, or reassuring touch.

If the helper’s presence is insensitive or rushed, the survivor may feel further injured. But when the helper offers warmth, compassion, and calm, that care becomes a source of comfort and healing.

Emotional First Aid: A Lasting Impact

Survivors who receive Emotional First Aid are not just grateful in the moment—they carry that support with them for life. Helpers become part of the survivor’s memory of the tragedy—not as part of the trauma, but as part of the healing.

When the survivor looks back on the event, they’ll remember: “There was someone kind. Someone who showed up when I needed it most.”

That moment may be brief—but its impact is lasting. Helpers who provide Emotional First Aid are not just supporters. They are healers.

Their presence is as vital as any support group, counselor, or spiritual advisor the survivor may turn to later.