Critical incident stress management is a system of crisis intervention meant to prevent psychological damage associated with unusual and stressful events, also called critical incidents. CISM is intended to support those who are prone to trauma exposure as well as those who have experienced an intensely traumatic event.
Sometimes referred to as psychological first aid, CISM can be used to address a vast array of critical incidents. Critical incidents are defined as events that threaten physical or emotional safety or events that result in physical or psychological harm. Some examples include:
- Death, or risk of death, in the line of duty
- Shootings in the workplace
- Hostage situations
- Terrorist attacks
- Building collapse due to an earthquake or natural disaster
- Natural disasters
The South Central Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is available 24 hours a day to all first responders by calling York County 9-1-1 and requesting the team. You can speak with a peer or clinician in person, by phone, or by video. All support is free and confidential. You are not alone.