Stress First Aid Program

The Stress First Aid (SFA) framework provides a practical approach to recognizing stress responses in yourself and others, reducing the risk of stress-related injury, and fostering resilience and healthy coping in various settings, including social, workplace, and academic environments.

The primary goal of Stress First Aid is to identify and address stress before it significantly affects health and well-being. Originally developed by the U.S. military for use within the Navy and Marine Corps, SFA has since been adapted for a range of civilian professions, including healthcare and emergency response.

The model is grounded in five evidence-informed principles that support recovery from stress and adversity:

• 5 Principles
• Safety
• Calm
• Connection
• Hope
• Competence/Self-Efficacy

Stress First Aid is a peer support training program designed to equip participants with practical tools for evaluating and responding to stress in others. It empowers peers to recognize potential signs of psychological distress, engage in supportive conversations, and take timely, appropriate action. The ultimate aim is to:

• Preserve Life
• Prevent Further Harm
• Promote Recovery

The stress continuum is a model (self-assessment tool) used to identify varying levels of stress and when to seek out support. The model is composed of the following zones: Green (coping well), Yellow (mild and reversible stress), Orange (persistent and severe stress), and Red (severe stress requiring professional intervention).

This diagram illustrates the 'Stress First Aid' model, a circular flow chart with seven steps—Check, Coordinate, Cover, Calm, Connect, Competence, and Confidence—centered around the concept of 'Wellness.' A starburst labeled 'Stressors' feeds into the loop, and the diagram is framed by three categories: Primary Aid, Secondary Aid, and Wellness.

Core actions of Stress First Aid, referred to as the Seven Cs, are as follows:

• Check – Assess, observe and listen
• Coordinate – Get help, refer as needed
• Cover – Get to safety ASAP
• Calm – Relax, slow down, refocus
• Connect – Get support from others
• Competence – Restore effectiveness
• Confidence – Restore self-esteem and hope

The persistence of orange zone stress in an individual can indicate a stress injury. When a peer’s behavior reflects features of Orange Zone Stress, "Take Action" and use the 7Cs of SFA to support your peer back to the "Green."

Using the SFA model, you can learn how to identify stress reactions in yourself and others, reduce the risk of stress injury, and promote coping and resilience among individuals and groups.

Register Here

SFA Booster Sessions

If you have already taken the 4-hour Stress First Aid Training and you would like an opportunity to apply and practice the SFA model, these sessions are for you!

We offer a virtual 1-hour Booster session monthly. These sessions are optional, and no continuing education credit will be provided. You are welcome to attend any one of them — or more than one. These case studies have been developed with nursing students in mind but should be applicable to all health care professionals.

Note: Booster sessions can also be customized according to your specific group. Please contact Dr. Undi Hoffler, [email protected], for more information.

During these sessions, we will use case exemplars to reinforce the SFA principles:

• Stress Continuum Model
• Four Sources of Orange-Zone Stress
• SFA Model

SFA Booster Session Dates for 2025:

All Booster sessions are held through Zoom (Eastern Time Zone).

• Tuesday, September 30: 12–1 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 21: 6–7 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 18: 12–1 p.m.

Booster Session Registration