verbal first aid: words are medicine
Post on 17-Oct-2014
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Brief overview of basic concepts of Verbal First Aid--what to say when every moment counts.TRANSCRIPT
MIND IS MATTERThe simple truth of verbal first Aid
“what is mind? No matter.
What is matter?Never mind.”
Why Verbal First Aid is so important:
It can save someone’s lifeIt can save your life
It can keep you out of courtPeople tend to sue when they believe their needs were
ignored or that no one cared about them.
The Power of Thoughtmessages in water by masuro emoto
Lake water before prayer Lake water after prayer
Molecules changed by
Thought.
You make me sick Thank you Om Namah Shivaya
verbal first aid works becauseWords impact physiology:
Words generate images
Images generate emotions
Emotions generate cascades of chemistry.
If What you say matters... If it is even remotely possible that words have an effect on the limbic system, the endocrine system, the circulatory system, the respiratory system, and
the G.I. tract then it is utterly reasonable to use them very, very carefully.
Verbal First Aid™ Options
Do somethingSay something
Do something and say something
Do and say nothing
Words are medicine."During periods of great stress, words that seem
immaterial or are uttered in jest, might become fixed in the patient's mind and cause them untold harm."
(American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 1987)
In shock, the impact of words is magnified.
The effect of words is not only seen in emergencies, but in daily life.They have a cumulative effect.
Emergency workers’ protocol
m. erik wright, md, phdThe kansas experiment (1976)
The wright words
" The worst is over. We are taking you to the hospital. Everything is being made ready. Let your body concentrate on repairing itself
and feeling secure. Let your heart, your blood vessels, everything bring themselves into a state of preserving your life. Bleed just
enough so as to cleanse the wound, and let the blood vessels close down so that your life is preserved. Your body weight, your body
heat, everything, is being maintained. Things are being made ready at the hospital for you. We're getting there as quickly and
safely as possible. You are now in a safe position. The worst is over."
Post-it notesFor the practice of verbal First Aid™.
Post-it note #1.
Stress and shock cause an
altered state.
Post-it note #2.In an altered state
We are more suggestible and our
attention is Fluid.
Post-it note #3.
Establish rapport.rapport is the foundation ofVerbal first Aid™. It means“this person hears me andunderstands.”
Post-it note #4.Get an alliance.
In study after study, hand-holding was one of theMost important reassurancesGiven to people in crisis.
Post-it note #5.Establish benevolentAuthority.In crisis, you areThe pack leader…Lead them to health.
Post-it note #6.Use Non-verbal First Aid.Eye contactPhysical contactSoothing soundsBreathIntention/prayer
Post-it note #7.Make an offer they can’trefuse…Use suggestion to lead towellness.
Two things to know about verbal first aid™:
1. It is not therapy. It is about being therapeutic no matter where you
are or what you do for a living.2. You cannot use this to manipulate agreement,
compliance or accord. Your intention always manifests.
Contact Judith Acosta, LISW
914-584-7394 or 505-771-2282
www.wordsaremedicine.com