A COURSE IN PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID AND PREVENTION
A Preliminary Report
DANIEL BLAIN 1,
PAUL HOCH M. D.2, , and
V. G. RYAN 3
1 Senior Surgeon(R), U. S. P. H. S., New York.
2 New York State Psychiatric Institute and Hospital, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons.
3 Medical Officer in Charge, Merchant Marine Rest Center, Gladstone, New Jersey.
A method and concrete plan of attack on the rising tide of maladjustment on one of its many fronts is presented.
This plan assumes an aggressive rather than a passive, waiting approach. It emphasizes prevention, and the management of mild conditions, and is applicable—in theory, at least—to all individuals.
The program is planned for the personnel of the Merchant Marine, but due to the basic similarities of the needs of all members of the human family, it must meet the test of general usefulness in war and in peace.
It is important that the general approach and subject matter receive careful consideration from the medical profession. Hence this plan is put forward as a tentative suggestion, subject to review, experiment and change.
The subject matter is in terms of general principles. From there application to specific groups can be made. In teaching, clinical illustrations should come from the special problems of the group.
