In an era where the mental well-being of first responders is increasingly recognized as critical to their overall health, the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) has recently concluded a three-year-grant from Movember and The Distinguished Gentleman’s Veterans & First Responders Mental Health Grant Program to evaluate and deliver an Enhanced Stress First Aid (SFA) training program tailored specifically for firefighters and EMS personnel. This three-year initiative has not only reshaped how mental health support is provided but has also set a new standard for training accessibility in the fire service for mental health awareness.
The Evolution of Stress First Aid
The Stress First Aid program, designed to equip first responders with tools to manage stress effectively, underwent a significant revision in its curriculum during the project's first year. This revision was aimed at ensuring that the content was relevant, practical, and impactful for the target audience—firefighters and EMS personnel who often face extreme stress in their line of duty.
In the second year, the program underwent further transformation. Recognizing the need for broader accessibility, especially in a post-COVID-19 world where travel and in-person gatherings were limited, the FRCE team adapted the SFA course for online delivery. This shift was more than just a logistical adjustment; it represented a commitment to ensuring that all firefighters, regardless of location or department resources, could benefit from this crucial training.
The Shift to Online Learning
The new online version of the SFA training was officially launched on June 12, 2023. This move to an updated asynchronous format was a game-changer for the fire service. Firefighters, whose schedules are often unpredictable and demanding, could now complete the training on their own time. This flexibility immediately increased participation rates and enabled the training to reach a broader audience.
Several factors drove the decision to focus on online learning. Post-COVID-19, many fire departments faced reduced budgets and limited time for additional training. The FRCE, working with NDRI Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, recognized that for the program to be successful, it needed to be accessible and feasible for departments with varying levels of resources. The online format, which allows participants to engage with the content between calls, during downtime, or whenever it suits their schedule, proved the perfect solution.
One of the program's critical successes was the large number of firefighters interested in the course content. This program's success was further validated by the high percentage of firefighters who completed the course once they started. The flexibility of the online format, combined with the relevance of the material, attracted participants from across the United States.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
Like any large-scale project, the FRCE’s SFA program faced its share of challenges and overcame these by listening to the feedback and adjusting to the fire service needs. Because of this, the SFA program continues to gain momentum after the expiration of the grant.
Despite the early challenges, the program’s core goals remained unchanged: to help firefighters readily adopt and apply SFA principles, integrate them into their daily operations, and use them as part of a comprehensive behavioral health initiative. By focusing on these objectives, the program aims to enhance the overall wellness and well-being of firefighters and EMS personnel, ultimately leading to a more resilient and effective workforce.
The Road Ahead
Based on the feedback received in year three, both the online and in-person versions of SFA have been revised and reformatted, and they are the best versions yet. Additionally, FRCE recently partnered with Advance Problem Solving (APS), rolling out our new and easy-to-use Learning Management System (LMS). You can request an in-person training or take the free online version by going to Firstrespondercenter.org (Under the training tab on the webpage).
The success of the Enhanced Stress First Aid program is a testament to the successful grant programs such as the one awarded to the FRCE from Movember. Both Movember and the FRCE are committed to improving the mental health of first responders. By adapting to the changing needs of the fire service and embracing the possibilities of online learning, the FRCE has set a new standard for training programs in this field.
As the program continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this initiative will undoubtedly inform future efforts to support the mental health of firefighters and EMS personnel. This work-, is a powerful reminder that with the right tools and support, our first responders can continue to serve their communities with strength, resilience, and compassion.
About Movember:
Twenty-one years ago, a bristly idea was born in Melbourne Australia, igniting a movement that would transcend borders and change the face of men's health forever. The movement, known as Movember, united people from all walks of life - sparking billions of important conversations, raising vital funds, and shattering the silence surrounding men's health issues. Since 2003, the trailblazing charity has shaken up men’s health research and transformed the way that health services reach and support men, taking on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention, with unwavering determination.
Their passionate community of global Mo's have raised over USD 1 billion for men’s health, funding more than 1,300 projects worldwide. This includes some of the largest global prostate cancer registries, driven by the real-life experiences of hundreds of thousands of men. Since expanding into mental health and suicide prevention in 2006, Movember has highlighted the need for stronger social connections, early recognition of mental health issues, and better support for men in distress. Their goal is to ensure men know how to address mental health challenges and that their support networks are ready to step in when needed.
Movember is committed to driving innovative research, cutting-edge treatments, and healthy behaviors while championing inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare tailored to diverse needs. Their vision is to break down health barriers, eliminate stigma, and ensure everyone has an equal chance at a long, healthy life. By advancing men’s health, they aim to create a ripple effect that positively impacts women, families, and society as a whole. To learn more, please visit Movember.com.
About the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE)
The FRCE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing first responders' health, safety, and wellness. Established in 2016 as an affiliate of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), the FRCE was born from the NFFF's longstanding commitment to reducing firefighter fatalities and supporting the families of fallen firefighters. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by all first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, the FRCE was created to address this vital community's broader health and wellness needs. As Chief Frank Leeb, the Managing Director of the FRCE, often emphasizes, the ultimate goal of the FRCE is to prevent the NFFF from having to meet the families of first responders due to preventable tragedies.
