Stress First Aid for Healthcare Workers: Facility Guide and FAQ
Healthcare workers are exposed to physically and mentally taxing situations on a regular basis. From heavy workloads to traumatic patient cases, there are many competing demands that their roles place on them. Given the challenges of the job, the stress first aid (SFA) model was created to help healthcare workers manage their stress reactions before they lead to long-term health problems.
As a facility leader, providing resources for SFA is an important way to support and protect the mental health of your staff. In this article, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about the SFA model to help you implement it at your organization.
What Is the Stress First Aid Model? Overview
SFA is a model that outlines practical actions that healthcare workers and leaders can take to reduce stress in high-pressure environments. This model places a heavy emphasis on self-care and peer support, outlining ways to build trust and connection while maintaining a more grounded presence.
The SFA was initially developed for the military, but it has since been successfully adapted for use in healthcare settings. Fundamentally, this model is driven by evidence-based factors that help people recover from stress. Using this model, healthcare workers and leaders are able to:
- Identify stress reactions in themselves and others.
- Reduce the risk of injury related to stress.
- Promote coping skills and resilience for individuals and groups.
Stress First Aid for Healthcare Workers: FAQs
Learning all of the components of the SFA model takes time, requiring ongoing learning and engagement from both staff and leaders. To help you get started on implementing SFA at your facility, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this model below.
What are the 7 Cs of stress first aid?
The SFA model outlines seven core actions (also known as the 7 Cs) that should be taken to identify and reduce stress reactions in both yourself and others. We’ve outlined these actions, along with example strategies, in the table below.
| Action | Definition | Example Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check | Check on yourself and others to identify common stress indicators. |
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| 2. Coordinate | Keep others informed and reach out for help. |
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| 3. Cover | Ensure ongoing safety for yourself and the people around you. |
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| 4. Calm | Slow down and reduce stress in the body and mind. |
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| 5. Connect | Build relationships and find people who can provide social support. |
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| 6. Competence | Build and foster skills that increase resilience to difficult situations. |
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| 7. Confidence | Maintain a positive but realistic self-image. |
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Why is it important to help healthcare workers manage stress?
Helping healthcare workers manage stress is essential for supporting their wellbeing. Compounding stress can lead to more serious health problems, such as burnout and compassion fatigue, which are already prevalent in the healthcare industry. The SFA model helps workers take more practical, daily steps to build resilience, which can ultimately improve their job satisfaction and equip them to provide better patient care.
How does SFA differ from other types of mental health support?
Many types of mental health support are provided by trained counselors. SFA is unique in that it emphasizes peer-to-peer support in professional settings, and is designed to provide immediate intervention. All of the strategies outlined in this model empower healthcare workers to better identify and respond to stress in themselves and those around them.
Who should use the SFA model?
SFA principles can benefit all types of healthcare workers, regardless of their experience level or where they work. This model can be used by individuals who want a better handle on their stress, or by teams that want to create a more supportive work environment.
The SFA model outlines a range of strategies at the individual, group, and leadership level. For leaders, it’s important for instituting policies that foster a healthier work environment, while teaching staff how to utilize SFA for themselves and their colleagues.
Where can facilities find stress first aid training resources?
SFA encompasses a very detailed framework, requiring the use of professionally-vetted training resources to be effectively implemented. Here are some helpful links to resources that you can visit to learn more about SFA or provide training for your staff:
- Veterans Affairs’ SFA training manuals, workbooks, and materials
- American Nurses Association’s stress self-assessment tool
- American Medical Association’s SFA toolkit and module
- First Responder Center’s in-person and online SFA training courses
Take Comprehensive Measures to Support Your Staff
In order to maximize the benefits of the stress first aid model, leaders must be equipped to provide ongoing support to their staff. Looking for more ways to maintain a healthy work environment? IntelyCare offers dozens of other healthcare management tips and insights — all at no cost to you.