CISM

Home
 

 

A critical incident can be defined as any situation faced by emergency personnel that causes them to experience unusually strong emotional reactions which have the potential to interfere with their ability to function either at the scene or later.  CISM services are co-sponsored by Greater Northwest & West Central EMS. 

What is the Purpose of CISM?
The purpose of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is to accelerate normal recovery, for normal people, having normal reactions to abnormal events.

Who Benefits From CISM?
bulletFire Service Personnel
bulletLaw Enforcement Personnel
bulletAmbulance Services
bulletFirst Responders
bulletEmergency Departments
bulletHospital Staff
bulletDisaster Responders

Who Provides CISM Services?
The CISM team is composed of emergency services and mental health professionals who volunteer their time, energy and resources.  Team members receive specialized training and participate in regular continuing education sessions.

What Services are Offered?
bulletPre-incident education
bulletDefusings
bulletResource and referral network
bulletPrinted materials (Click to view and/or print!)
bullet"Helpful Hints for Immediate Handling of Stress Reactions"
bullet"Helpful Hints for Long Term Handling of Stress Reactions"
bullet"Critical Incident Stress Information for Significant Others"
bullet"Critical Incident Stress Information Sheet"

When Should We Call for Assistance?
You should call for CISM assistance any time emergency personnel have experienced a situation which causes them unusually strong emotional reaction including:
bulletSuicide of a colleague
bulletLine of duty death
bulletSerious line of duty injury
bulletDisaster/multiple casualty
bulletPolice shootings of an innocent person
bulletSignificant events involving children
bulletProlonged incidents involving loss
bulletPersonally threatening situations
bulletEvents with excessive media interest

Is There A Fee for CISM?
There are no fees for defusings.  CISM is supported by funds from the EMS Relief Account/Seat Belt Fine dollars and Regional Firefighters Associations.  Contributions toward expenses may be made by contacting Greater Northwest EMS.

How Do I Acquire Services?
PRIMARY CONTACT:  800-636-8005 (Greater Northwest EMS)
SECONDARY CONTACT:  218-556-4190 (Tom Vanderwal)
 

 

24 Hours Per Day!
7 Days Per Week!