NORTHERN ROCKIES
CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT
OPERATING GUIDELINES
June 2010
Northern Rockies CISM Fire Peer Team Coordinator:
Jan Everett, 406-329-4938, 406-544-1665
Mary Jo Lommen 406-329 4930, 406-544-4058
Dan Cottrell 847-217-6692
Introduction
CISM support is available for any fire or all-hazard incident where events occur which overwhelm
the resources of personnel, causing traumatic stress and reducing the individual’s ability to
function. The effects of traumatic stress are best prevented and mitigated through the use of
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). The use of CISM increases productivity, health,
morale, and enjoyment of life. It may decrease post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress
disorder, workman’s compensation claims, fatalities, injuries, and suicide.
I. Policy
Critical Incident Stress Management Operating Guidelines provide an organized approach to the
management of stress responses for personnel having been exposed to a traumatic event in the
line of duty. The establishment of these procedures does not prevent an employee from
seeking individual consultation or follow-up through the Employee Assistance Program or
informal discussion with a trained Peer Support Team member. The CISM is not a legal inquiry,
investigation, or blaming in any way. It is about personal emotional responses, not the facts of
the Incident. No notes are taken and recording devices are not allowed. Discussions are private,
however participants are reminded not to say anything they don’t want brought forward in a
possible investigation.
II. Definitions
Critical Incident: Any event which has a stressful impact sufficient enough to overwhelm the
effective coping skills of either an individual or group. Critical incidents are typically
sudden, powerful events which are outside the range of ordinary human experiences.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): A structured group meeting that emphasizes
emotional reactions to a critical incident. It also emphasizes
educational and informational elements which are of assistance to employees in understanding
and dealing with the stress generated by the event. Debriefings generally occur at least 24 – 72
hours after the critical incident.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): A wide range of programs and services
designed to prevent and mitigate the effects of traumatic stress.
Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Team: Resources activated by the CISM
Coordinator to respond to a critical incident. CISIM Peer Team members will include peer
support and mental health professionals.
Defusing (CISD): Usually occurs within a few hours of a critical incident. The main purpose of a
defusing is to stabilize and assist with immediate needs of the affected personnel so that they can
return to work if necessary or they may go home without unusual stress. Defusing allows for initial
venting of reactions to the incident and provides stress related information to affected personnel.
A Defusing may eliminate the need for a formal CISD or enhance a subsequent CISD.
Individual Crisis Debriefing: One-on-one private assistance with any issue by trained
peer supporter or mental health professional.
Peer Team Members: Personnel trained to assist their fellow employees by listening privately
without judgment. They are also trained in positive coping strategies for stress, and to help
others validate their thoughts and emotions about an overwhelming trauma or loss. Peer Team
members have the same or similar work backgrounds as the affected Personnel.
III. CISM Deployment Responsibilities
A. Agency Administrator/ Incident Commander
1. Identification of Event
The Agency Administrator and/or Incident Commander are responsible for the decision that CISM
Resources are needed. The Agency Administrator is the highest ranking agency line officer with
direct responsibility for the personnel involved in the incident. Typical critical incidents capable of
causing distress for personnel are identified in Appendix 1.
2. Request CISM
The Agency Administrator or Incident Commander (IC) are responsible for requesting CISM
resources. The HRSP can act as the liaison for the IC in requesting CISM needs for the incident
and completing the CISM request form.
B. Local Dispatch
1. Requesting CISM
CISM resources may be ordered through the Northern Rockies Coordination Center using an
overhead “O” number. Place a request in ROSS for a Team, Critical Incident Stress
Management. The CISM request form should be part of the resource order or faxed to the CISM
Coordinator.
2. Identify Logistic Support for CISM
The HRSP can act as the liaison for the Incident Management Team (IMT) and work with the
CISM Lead and dispatch to establish logistical support such as hotels, transportation, meeting
space, etc.
C. Northern Rockies Coordination Center (NRCC)
1. Request CISM
NRCC is responsible for first contacting the CISM Coordinator to request CISM Peer Team
services.
NRCC is responsible for contacting the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to request Mental
Health Professional services who will then establish contact with the CISM Coordinator.
D. CISM Coordinator
1. Activation of CISM Team
The CISM Coordinator will identify and contact members of the CISM Peer Team.
2. Activates CISM Response
The CISM Coordinator activates Peer Team members to respond to the incident through normal
dispatch procedures. The CISM Coordinator assigns the CISM Leader as necessary. The CISM
Coordinator maintains an availability roster and provides the NRCC with names and home units
of members to be ordered. Individuals will be ordered in ROSS as Technical Specialists
(THSP/CISM ).
3. Maintaining the Roster
The CISM Coordinator is responsible for maintaining an on-call roster for all members. The
CISM Coordinator will notify NRCC of any changes to the roster or availability of members.
NRCC will be informed when the CISM Coordinator is unavailable and who will assume the
duties.
E. CISM Leader
1. CISM Leader is the Lead for the CISM Team and works with the Coordinator for deployment
and the logistics.
2. Provides Information to CISM Coordinator.
3. The CISM Leader is responsible for communicating ongoing information with the CISM
Coordinator after deployment of the CISM.
CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT TEAM
MEMBER DUTIES
CISM Program Coordinator
1. Administers and coordinates the critical incident stress management (CISM) program.
2. Serves as primary point of contact for requests for CISM Peer Team support. Activates CISM
Peer Team members and assigns a CISM Leader to respond to the incident.
3. Updates CISM protocols and operational procedures with NRCC annually.
4. Recruits personnel to become peer support members. Coordinates with the Northern Rockies
CISM Committee to provide training for new recruits and continuous education for group
members. Stays abreast of new developments and innovations in the field of crisis intervention.
5. Provides stress education and support programs for personnel.
6. Provides private crisis intervention services as needed (i.e. defusing, debriefings). Works
within level of competence and makes appropriate referrals.
7. Ensures that distressed group members receive the appropriate help (i.e. debrief the
debriefers).
8. Selects members and maintains current list of peer support team members.
Provides the list to the NRCC.
9. Maintains records for all trained CISM members.
10. In conjunction with the Northern Rockies CISM Committee, reviews activities to address
quality issues and improve service.
11. Provides outreach to inform agency administrators and employees of CISM services.
Clinical Director/Advisor to Northern Rockies CISM Fire Peer Team (Bob Deaton)
The Clinical Director is an outside contractor who is a licensed mental professional, and is
responsible for overseeing the delivery and quality of the counseling services. The clinical
director’s specific job description is to:
1. Offer quality professional Mental Health oversight of the program.
2. Assist the Program Coordinator in accessing the need for CISM and to determine the
appropriate CISM process.
3. Take part in the CISM process.
4. Assist the Program Coordinator in establishing protocols for debriefings.
5. Review reports and records of the team.
6. Be available as a referral source (if desired).
7. Maintain an updated list of Clinical referral sources.
8. Make post debriefing contacts and suggest further counseling as necessary.
9. May assist with cross training and other training programs.
10. Make recommendations for the program.
11. Complete all necessary paperwork.
12. Become familiar with incident command system operations.
NRCC Coordinator
Major Duties:
1. Coordinates with CISM Coordinator when a request for CISM is received.
2. Provide necessary logistic support needed for the CISM Response Team.
3. Contacts EAP to request Mental Health Professional and directs them to establish contact with
the CISM Coordinator.
CISM Leader
Major Duties:
1. Responsible for the CISM Team activities after deployment.
2. Provide private crisis intervention services as needed (i.e. defusing, debriefings). Works within
level of competence and makes appropriate referrals.
3. Communicates ongoing information to CISM Coordinator after deployment of the team.
Peer Support Members
Major Duties:
1. Provide private crisis debriefing services as needed (i.e. defusing, debriefings). Works within
level of competence and makes appropriate referrals.
2. Attends CISM training to maintain skills and abilities.
3. Updates peer support nomination/information form on annual basis to reflect current
experience, education, and training in crisis management.