At the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine, a training course for trainers in psychological first aid was held.
Vladyslav Bidniak, a psychologist from Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs, took part in the event.
The training brought together specialists from the psychological services of the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service, as well as representatives of higher education institutions that train future police officers.
The five-day course was conducted by experienced psychologists and medical professionals from the psychological service of the Portuguese Gendarmerie. The training covered a wide range of topics related to mental health: methods of providing psychological first aid, self-help techniques, stress management, identification and prevention of psychological disorders, and suicide prevention. Special attention was given to stabilization algorithms for cases of disorientation or stupor, as well as handling critical incidents and traumatic events.
A distinctive feature of the training was the active exchange of experience between participants and instructors, lively professional discussions, and practical exercises in small groups with feedback.
The event marked an important step in the development of international partnerships and the implementation of European standards for psychological support in Ukraine. The knowledge gained will enable specialists — including those at DSUIA — to respond more effectively to psychological challenges during their professional duties.
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