Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Emergency service providers are exposed, on a daily basis, to events which the general public seldom encounter. They are in a position in which life and death experiences are common and almost routine. Recent research has identified that these emergency service providers are paying a heavy personal price because of this exposure to human trauma.
The mission of the Chester County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team is to provide a corps of the trained volunteers and professionals to help emergency service providers handle stress. Team members are mental health professionals, emergency services peers, and clergy. Each team member is trained and experienced in his/her own field and has undergone a specifically prescribed course of instruction in Emergency Service Stress Intervention.
Specifically, Critical Incident Stress Management Team members are trained in the CISM process. The CISM process is NOT an operational critique, but a confidential, non-evaluative discussion of the involvement, thoughts, reactions, and feelings resulting from an incident.
In addition, the process provides:
- EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PROGRAMS
- ON-SCENE SUPPORT
- DEFUSING
- DEBRIEFING
- DEMOBILIZATIONS
- FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
- RESOURCE AND REFERRAL INFORMATION
- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
The CISM process is designed to facilitate "A normal recovery process in normal persons suffering normal effects after an encounter with an abnormal situation."
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C.I.S.M.
Office Phone: (610) 344-5021
24-Hour Pager: 1-888-608-0396
Communications Center: (610) 344-5100
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International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. 