Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) For First Responders - THE BEST APPROACH TO CRISIS INTERVENTION

ABSTRACT
First responders “protect and serve.” They maintain order, prevent chaos, and
keep Americans safe and secure. Much of the freedoms enjoyed today are the
result of U.S. first responders protecting and caring for U.S. citizens. Whether it is
a terrorists attack, a criminal victimizing a citizen, or a natural disaster, first
responders will be among the first on the scene to deal with the crisis. For this
reason, their role in homeland security is so critical. Traumatic stress
experienced by first responders may impact their ability to function and handle
the next critical incident, as well as obstruct public safety agencies in maintaining
a robust and resilient workforce. As a result, leaders of first responder
organizations need methods to recognize the different levels of stress their
employees are experiencing and identify ways they can support their officers and
minimize long-term effects of stress, including absenteeism, early
resignation/retirement, depression, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and
suicide.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is the standard clinical
practice most widely utilized by public safety agencies in crisis interventions.
CISM is designed to mitigate stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Another technique to help the traumatized, now emerging as a preferred
response in crisis interventions, is Psychological First Aid (PFA). The empirical
evidence is examined comparing CISM and PFA in an attempt to determine the
best care for first responders. Another valuable tool examined, and sometimes
overlooked as a crisis intervention tool, is the role of trained chaplains in disaster
care.
The author has responded to numerous traumatic incidents and witnessed
firsthand the effects trauma has on first responders. As a result of witnessing the
lack of care CISM provides, he was inspired to research and find the best
approach to crisis interventions.

PFA and trained chaplains may be the answer; however, the author also
desires that this paper inspire and challenge other agencies to invest, conduct
further research, and ultimately, find the best approach to crisis interventions.