Stress First Aid – The Schwartz Center

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Stress First Aid

Stress First Aid (SFA) is a peer support framework, based on five research-backed factors that help people recover from stress and adversity: safety, calm, connection, self-efficacy, and hope.

It provides healthcare workers with practical, structured actions to help them recognize stress responses early and offer meaningful support to their colleagues before distress escalates into impairment.

Originally developed for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, SFA has proven adaptable across high-stress professions, including firefighting, law enforcement, and emergency response. Its strength lies in empowering peers to foster psychological well-being through timely, evidence-based intervention.

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.

Nearly 800 healthcare organizations around the world run the Schwartz Rounds program.

If your organization is interested in joining our healthcare community, please complete the brief inquiry form and a Schwartz Center staff member will get back to you with next steps.

Submit an Inquiry

Benefits of Stress First Aid

Research shows that SFA training significantly reduces severe psychological distress and PTSD symptoms, notably in in students and trainees.
Provides practical, evidence-based tools for managing work-related stress
Enhances team cohesion and mutual support during high-stress situations
May reduce staff turnover and absenteeism related to burnout
Improves overall workforce well-being and job satisfaction
Supports retention of experienced healthcare professionals
Demonstrates organizational commitment to employee mental health