San Luis Obispo County CISM Team

Providing Critical Incident Stress Management & Peer Support Services for the first responders of San Luis Obispo County

What is CISM?

Critical Incident Stress Management, or CISM, is an intervention protocol developed specifically for dealing with traumatic events. It is a formal, highly structured, and professionally recognized process for helping those involved in a critical incident to share their experiences, vent emotions, learn about stress reactions and symptoms, and receive a referral for further help if required. It is not psychotherapy. It is a confidential, voluntary, and educative process, sometimes called 'psychological first aid'.First developed for use with military combat veterans and then civilian first responders (police, fire, ambulance, emergency workers, and disaster rescuers), it has now been adapted and used virtually everywhere there is a need to address the traumatic impact on peoples lives. There are several types of CISM interventions that can be used, depending on the situation. Variations of these interventions can be used for groups, individuals, families, and in the workplace.

Who is on the team?

The San Luis Obispo CISM team is made up of local firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, Clinicians, and Chaplains who are passionate about helping their fellow first responders navigate the unique stressors attributed to traumatic incidents and demanding emergency services work.

What services does the team provide?

Pre-crisis Preparation.

Includes stress management education, stress resistance, and crisis mitigation training for both individuals and organizations.

Rest Information Transition Services (RITS)

A brief intervention prior to the release of employee(s) following a large-scale incident or disaster.

Crisis Management Briefings (CMB)

A large group meeting to provide information about the incident, control rumors, discuss potential symptoms of distress and the components of stress management, and identify available resources for affected individuals who may later elect to seek CISM support.

Defusing

A shorter, informal version of the debriefing process, the defusing is conducted shortly after the incident, preferably during the same shift. Most incidents that are defused do not need to be debriefed.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)

CISD is designed as a seven-phase, structured group discussion with the support of mental health care professionals, trained peers, and chaplains.

Individual Crisis Intervention

One-on-one counseling or psychological support throughout the timeline of the critical incident.

Family Crisis Intervention

Includes organizational consultation, as needed.

Follow-up and Referral

Intervention components for follow-up assessment and treatment, if necessary. This can include the use of mental health providers and other specialized programs

Civilian Assistance

Although assisting victims, survivors, and families is not the primary function of the CISM Team, it may be necessary to provide interim support services to these individuals so that the emergency service crews may perform their duties without being hampered. CISM team will act as Liaison to gather local resources for civilians. (Red Cross, County Mental Health, etc.)

Contact

If you would like to contact the San Luis Obispo County CISM team for more information or to request an activation please call the CISM Team Lead Bob Murach at 805-438-3701

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