Original Article Assessment of Need and Readiness for a Post-Disaster Psychological First Aid Course in Barbados Kadisha K Douglin 1 , Michael H Campbell 2 , Maisha K Emmanuel 2 , Heather Harewood 2 , Keo Forde-St. Hill 3 and Kim R Quimby 4 Abstract This study was conducted to assess the readiness and need of community personnel to be trained to deliver psychological first aid (PFA). The assessment of readiness qualitatively measured knowledge of PFA, engagement in health-related matters, available resources, and community engagement. Need for training was determined by the frequency of responses to disaster scenarios and the level of self-efficacy during the response. The survey was constructed in REDCap and disseminated to leaders and members of faith-based organizations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and district emergency offices. Data was collected during November and December 2021, and summary statistics were performed within REDCap. The review of the collected data revealed most respondents had never heard of PFA; however, they intuitively performed key elements of PFA such as listening and assessing need. The majority engaged in health-related matters by either hosting or attending health seminars. Some respondents had training or experience in responding to natural disasters, and could access physical resources (e.g., safe counseling spaces). Participants reported positive relationships with surrounding communities, describing them as respectful and cooperative. There were frequent opportunities to respond to emergencies (e.g., hurricanes and domestic violence), however, the majority did not feel fully prepared to do so. Over 90% agreed they would attend a PFA course. This study demonstrated the need and readiness for community members to be trained to administer PFA. Additionally, responses highlighted untapped potential within the community and a need to harness these resources for rapid mobilization for disaster response. Keywords: Psychological First Aid, Psychosocial Support, Stress First Aid, Community Resilience, PFA training. WCPRR Apr 2024: 40-52 © 2024 WACP ISSN: 1932-6270 Correspondence to: Dr. Kadisha Douglin, Consultant Psychiatrist, Independent Researcher, Bridgetown, Barbados. Email: kadis13@gmail.com 1 Consultant Psychiatrist, Private Practice 2 Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus 3 The Psychiatric Hospital, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Barbados 4 The George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, Caribbean Institute for Health Research, The University of the West Indies.