What is Stress First Aid?

Stress First Aid (SFA) provides a framework for psychological peer support, with a set of supportive actions designed to promote self-care and coworker support. The overarching aim of SFA is to identify and mitigate the negative impacts of stress at work before they impair staff health and wellbeing.

SFA was initially developed under the auspices of the US military for implementation by the Navy and Marine Corps. It has since been successfully adapted for use by firefighters, police forces, and other first responders. The SFA model is based on five evidence-informed factors that help people recover from stress and adversity. These include the need for safety, calm, connection, sense of competence or self-efficacy, and hope.

Stress First Aid training is available to Schwartz Center healthcare members only.

Stress First Aid for Schwartz Center Members

Stress First Aid training is the result of a collaborative effort between the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare and Dr. Patricia Watson of the National Center for PTSD. There is no additional fee for Schwartz Center members.

Stress First Aid Training

All Schwartz Center healthcare members in good standing have access to two training options for Stress First Aid:

Stress First Aid for Schwartz Center Members

This 60-minute web-based training and resource page introduces the basics of Stress First Aid for healthcare workers. This course is available to all staff affiliated with a Schwartz Center member organization.

Stress First Aid Train the Trainer

This eight-hour training program provides the tools and resources needed to plan to implement Stress First Aid at your organization. This training includes eight modules of self-paced online instruction complemented by three web-based meetings with a training cohort and a Schwartz Center staff member. Training cohorts will begin in Fall 2020.

Learn more about joining the Schwartz Center healthcare member community and membership benefits.