Strengthening Psychosocial Preparedness in Disaster Response: Evidence from the Sri Lanka Air Force a Qualitative Study

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an internationally endorsed early intervention aimed at reducing acute distress and supporting functional coping among individuals affected by crises. The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) serves as a primary responder to natural disasters; however, its personnel face considerable psychological strain due to repeated exposure to traumatic events. Despite global recognition of PFA as a foundational component of emergency response, its structured integration within the SLAF remains minimal. This study explored SLAF first responders’ perceptions, experiences, and training needs related to PFA to identify contextual gaps and opportunities to strengthen psychosocial preparedness within disaster-response systems. A qualitative design was adopted, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with SLAF personnel representing diverse operational roles. Thematic analysis identified five themes: awareness and understanding of Psychological First Aid, experiential learning through disaster exposure, cultural and religious influences on emotional support, barriers to implementing Psychological First Aid, and recommendations for its effective integration into SLAF disaster-response operations. Findings indicate that responders experience significant emotional impact but lack access to structured psychosocial support or formal psychological preparedness mechanisms. Although awareness of PFA was limited, participants expressed strong readiness to receive training and recognized its importance in both personal resilience and mission performance. The study highlights the need for culturally adapted PFA training, institutional capacity building, and leadership-driven prioritization of mental health within the SLAF. Strengthening psychosocial preparedness within disaster-response systems has broader implications for enhancing national disaster resilience and social stability in Sri Lanka.