Stress First Aid Webinar

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Description:

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is pleased to offer the “Stress First Aid” webinar.

Stress First Aid (SFA) for First Responders is a comprehensive framework designed to enhance recovery from stress reactions, both in oneself and among coworkers. This course focuses on empowering first responders to recognize and address early signs of stress, not only following critical incidents but also during day-to-day operations. By emphasizing supportive actions rooted in friendship, mentorship, and leadership, participants will learn to manage stress effectively, fostering a healthier and more resilient work environment.

The Stress First Aid (SFA) framework aims to identify and mitigate stress reactions along a continuum, reducing the likelihood of long-term or severe stress-related issues. This course equips first responders with practical tools and strategies to provide ongoing care and support in various occupational settings, including high-risk environments such as military, fire and rescue, law enforcement, and pretrial and probation. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to promote mental well-being and resilience among their peers and themselves.

Topics to be addressed:

• Understanding stress reactions
• Identifying early signs of stress
• Core Actions of Stress First Aid
• Supportive actions: friendship, mentorship, leadership
• Applying SFA in day-to-day operations
• Integrating SFA into occupational settings
• Techniques for building personal and team resilience
• Long-term strategies for stress reduction

Who should attend?

This training is open to all first responder groups, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, fire/EMS, EMTs, dispatchers, and corrections. Additionally, retired first responders, civilian peer support, and mental health clinicians who are culturally competent in first responder wellness, are encouraged to attend.

Partial In-service Credit:

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) for Virginia law enforcement officers is not available.

Cost and Registration:

There is no registration fee to attend this training; however, pre-registration is required.

Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS assigned course director to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course. Registrants not accepted will be notified via the email address provided during registration.