Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

A Free, Confidential Resource for Emergency Responders

Available 24/7/365 – Call (814) 337-5380

What is CISM?

The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team is a group of specially trained volunteer peers and mental health professionals from various backgrounds, including EMS, Fire, Police, and Dispatch. Our team provides peer-led interventions to help agencies and individuals manage stress reactions after critical incidents, ensuring a smooth return to service.

What is a Critical Incident?

A critical incident is any situation that provokes an intense emotional response, potentially interfering with an emergency responder's ability to function—whether at the scene or in daily life.

When Should I Activate CISM?

If you’re unsure whether to activate the team, don’t hesitate to call us at (814) 337-5380. We’ll help assess your concerns and develop an appropriate response plan for your team.

Benefits of CISM Intervention:

• Reduces acute distress
• Increases group cohesion
• Helps normalize emotional reactions

Types of CISM Interventions

Our team can be activated for group interventions or one-on-one peer support, depending on the needs of the requesting agency.

Defusing (Recommended within 48 hours post-incident)

• Small group (3-20 people)
• Duration: 45-60 minutes
• Purpose: Brief discussion of the incident, followed by stress management education

Debriefing (Can be initiated after 48 hours post-incident)

• Small group (3-25 people)
• Duration: 60-90 minutes
• Purpose: Guided discussion about the event’s emotional impact and stress management strategies

Peer One-on-One Support (Available anytime post-incident)

• One trained CISM peer meets with one responder
• Flexible duration based on need
• Purpose: Individualized discussion on stress impact and coping strategies

Recognizing Stress Symptoms

Mental & Emotional Signs

• Difficulty Concentrating
• Anxiety or Mood Swings
• Guilt or Depression
• Preoccupation with the Event
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Anger

Behavioral Signs

• 1000-Yard Stare
• Social Withdrawal
• Sleep Disturbances
• Self-Medication (Drugs/Alcohol)

Physical Signs

• Headaches
• Hyperventilation
• Fatigue/Exhaustion
• Indigestion

Join the CISM Team

Our team consists of members from EMS, Fire, Police, Dispatch, and Mental Health disciplines. We meet bimonthly at the EMMCO West office. If you're interested in joining, we invite you to attend a meeting to learn more about training, activations, and policies.

Eligibility Requirements for Deployment:

To be an active CISM team member, you must complete:
Assisting Individuals in Crisis training
Group Crisis Intervention training

For more details, meeting dates, and how to get involved, contact EMMCO West at (814) 337-5380.

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