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Common questions about Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)

What is a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing?

A psychological and educational group process designed to:

  • lessen the impact of major events on EMS and public safety personnel;
  • accelerate normal recovery in normal people who are experiencing normal stress after experiencing highly abnormal events.
Who can be on a CISD team?

Mental health debriefers and peer debriefers serve on the CISD Teams.

  • Mental Health Debriefers - Mental health professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses.
  • Peer Debriefers - Public safety personnel including those involved with rescue squads, fire departments, sheriff's offices, police departments, ambulance services, and EMS administration. Medical personnel including physicians, nurses and others who have contact with the EMS system.
What is the role of the CISD Team?

The teams can play several roles:

  • Provide debriefings when requested
  • Provide for referrals to the mental health system or medical care when further care is needed for an individual
  • Team functioning as a group (Team meetings, ongoing training)
  • Provide for education of agency personnel in their area in conjunction with the Regional EMS Council staff.
What are the training requirements for team members?

Mental Health professionals must attend a two-day training session and participate in cross-training in the public safety and EMS areas. Peer debriefers must attend a two-day training session and participate in cross-training, if deemed necessary.

All Team members must participate in ongoing continuing education to sharpen their skills and keep abreast of changes in the fields of Stress Management.

Are there any training sessions scheduled?

No, basic training in CISD is not scheduled at this time.

How do I become a CISM Team member?

Applications are accepted during times of need. However, you may have your name placed on a waiting list and an application will be sent to you when team openings exist. To have your name placed on this list contact the CISD Program Coordinator at 206-296-4693.