CISM TEAM DEVELOPMENT
Critical Incident Stress Management
Psychological First Aid: Support for Traumatic events in the workplace
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams provide support to employees who have been affected by traumatic incidents in the workplace. An incident can include, but not limited to; a job site accident resulting in severe injuries or fatalities, a natural disaster affecting a construction site, or situations of extreme stress or conflict among workers that could lead to escalating tensions. These specially trained teams offer immediate and follow-up assistance to help individuals cope with the emotional aftermath of critical events. By offering psychological first aid, defusing sessions, debriefings, and ongoing support, CISM teams help prevent long-term emotional issues and promote resilience among employees. Their presence in the workplace contributes to a culture of care, support, and mental well-being.
Examples of CISM Team deployment:
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): A structured group process that aims to help individuals who have been exposed to a traumatic event. CISD allows participants to process their thoughts and feelings about the incident, understand their reactions, and learn healthy coping strategies.
Crisis Intervention: The immediate assistance provided to individuals who are experiencing a crisis situation. This intervention aims to stabilize the person, assess their safety and needs, and provide emotional support and guidance to help them cope with the crisis effectively.
Crisis Management Briefing: A meeting held shortly after a crisis to provide essential information about the incident, discuss initial response actions taken, and assign roles and responsibilities for managing the crisis effectively. This briefing helps ensure that all involved parties are informed and prepared to address the situation.
Defusing: A short, informal conversation that takes place soon after a crisis to address immediate emotional reactions and stress levels. Defusing aims to prevent the escalation of emotional distress and promote a sense of safety and well-being among individuals affected by the crisis.
Bringing a new level of mental health care to the Industry
Critical incident stress management is crucial to address the emotional and mental well-being of workers who may be exposed to traumatic events or stressful situations. The timely deployment of a CISM team can help mitigate the psychological impact of critical incidents, support workers in coping with stress, and promote a culture of mental health awareness and support among the crew, and within the company, and ultimately throughout the Industry.
For more information and resources for CISM Teams, The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation offers education and training for crisis management teams. https://icisf.org
Contact us if you would like to get more information about CISM Teams, an how to get involved. First Responder, Military and Chaplaincy experience is a plus, however not required.