AUTHOR
José Vicente Carmona Simarro
KEY WORDS
Artificial intelligence, triage, emergency department, nursing, emotional support.
ABSTRACT
This article explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in emotional support during emergencies and disasters, especially for teams not specialised in psychology, such as nurses, doctors, firefighters and police officers. It highlights the relevance of psychological first aid (PFA), brief and effective interventions that such people can carry out with the appropriate training, without incurring in professional intrusion. PFA aims to provide emotional support, facilitate the expression of feelings, reduce the risk of negative consequences and connect affected people with resources for help, restoring their emotional and functional balance after a critical event.
AI can be a useful tool in this context, by means of apps, chatbots and virtual assistants such as Woebot, Wysa and the American Red Cross PFA Mobile App, which guide in stress management techniques, breathing exercises and anxiety management. In addition, AI can analyse communication for signs of distress, panic or suicide risk, enabling early intervention and the prioritisation of cases. However, there is a warning about the lack of human empathy of AI, which should be seen only as a complement to personal intervention and not as a substitute for it.
The article concludes that PFA is essential in the initial response of interdisciplinary teams and that ongoing training is vital. The inclusion of professional psychologists is key to proper assessment and treatment, minimising long-term sequelae. AI, if used well, can optimise the response and improve the overall emergency response.