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Permalink Reply by Scamehorn on December 3, 2008 at 1:20pm

My Dept has used CISM in the past before. I started and I heard they were very helpful in helping several of our Dept members. We are currently looking at using them after a call last night though.

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Permalink Reply by 144Truck on December 3, 2008 at 1:23pm

By any other name... CISD, CISM (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Critical Incident Stress Management) all operate on the premise of helping the warriors cope with the stress of battle.... Most places have some form of either in place and available. IF the affected agency requests it.

Most, at least in my part of the country, consist of a team of emergency services folks who have received some specialized training in the process. Most debriefings take place as soon as possible after the incident and are conducted in a group setting, sort of a "Hot Wash". I have asked for debriefing for individuals as well.

We had an absolutely hideous year here with "those" calls..... We were able to conduct our own Hot Wash and I have not been made aware of any of my people (Or those from mutual aid) who have had any long term detrimental effects from these incidents. But we are vigilant.

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Permalink Reply by T.J. on December 3, 2008 at 1:38pm

We've used them before in the past and they're great!:)

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Permalink Reply by Tony P on December 3, 2008 at 5:50pm

I wouldn't say that "CISM" is an organisation, I see it as more of a function. For us the whole thing is driven by the Fire Rescue Service (FRS) itself, set up, staffed, coordinated and supported. The base level, the Peers, that level seen initially by those in need is made up of volunteers (we're a mainly volunteer Service) who have undertaken training to help them become a team of 'listeners' for those of us in need. They are often called to the debriefing sessions we run after incidents involving severe injuries and fatalities - here they will talk and listen to the whole group or any individuals that wish a private talk.

I've been lucky so far and have not felt the need for a CIS chat. In fact the only time I've spoken with one of the Peers was when I came off of a 15 hour shift at a wildfire and I was approached and asked if I was sure I was OK, because I'd said 'hello' and tried to move quickly straight past him - I was hungry and he was betweeen me and my meal!

CIS services within my FRS are available to all those who may need help. The firefighters, support staff/volunteers, the families of all those people. The service is free even when someone is sent up the line to maybe psychriatric help. It is a much needed system, and one that we constantly keep in member's minds. There is nothing weak or pathetic in seeking help when help is needed.

I've never heard of the ICISF, it might be a local organisation to you, or maybe the USA?

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Permalink Reply by Sue Okenyi on December 4, 2008 at 12:39am

Thank you for your reply. This helps me a lot! I think I may need to undergo some of their training. How that could have helped me when I was taking so many calls after 9/11! ICISF is International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Then the CISM branches off from that is what I believe from what I've read and what some local guys here have told me. And that by supporting ICISF I be supporting all the CISM branches.
So learning more about this organization or "function" is awesome. I greatly appreciate all the comments that have come in.

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