First responders are faced with a myriad of stressors that go beyond what the general population may experience. The effects of first responder stress events can factor into behavioral health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and depression. Resources available today, like Stress First Aid (SFA), address the unique stressors related to first responders and build on the strengths of first responders, including a sense of belonging, support from one another and a strong sense of purpose.

SFA is a flexible set of tools used to care for stress reactions in fire and EMS personnel. Unlike other acute stress management procedures, SFA was designed specifically to support firefighters and EMS personnel. The goal of SFA is to restore health and readiness after a stress reaction. SFA is a toolkit that emphasizes the importance of continuously monitoring the stress of fire and rescue personnel, to quickly recognize and appropriately help individuals who are reacting to stress and are in need of interventions to promote healing.