Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
First, “I’M NOT ALONE!” During the process as the participants discussed how the incident had affected each of them, several expressed relief at knowing that they were not alone in their reactions. Whether it was an emotion like anger or frustration or a change of lifestyle like sleeplessness, everyone felt relieved to know they were not alone. This has been true of other debriefings with fire fighters and EMT’s. Although each of us reacts differently to a critical incident, none of us will be the only one to react the way we do. As defined, Critical Incident Stress is a “normal reaction to an abnormal event.”
Secondly, the group expressed concern about their
FAMILIES. Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement and EMS workers are all
introduced to critical incident stress in their respective training;
however, no one talks to their families. Spouses, parents and children
may have never heard the term much less understand its ramifications to
the emergency worker. One of the positive outcomes of this Critical
Incident Debriefing was their plans to have their local chaplain
conduct a “Family Orientation to Critical Incident Stress.” I have
conducted several such meetings with families of emergency workers and
they were so relieved to finally understand what was happening in the
life of their loved one. One spouse blurted, “I am so glad I came, I
just thought my husband was losing his mind!”
Critical Incident Stress is not to be taken lightly, nor should the family be left in the dark concerning it. Talk to your family about it, encourage your department to conduct “debriefings” when needed. It also would be a good idea to have your families meet together and learn more about Critical Incident Stress and its management. The family you save may be your own!
For more information about Critical Incident Stress, contact your department’s Chaplain or one of the following:
Central Oklahoma
Gary Dill, Edmond FD 405-359-4332
Chuck McDade, Midwest City FD 405-831-7518
Gary Doty, Norman FD 405-570-6080
Western Oklahoma
Hal Penner, Weatherford FD 580-819-0437
Northwest Oklahoma
Gary Lillie, Nash FD 580-541-5980
Tim Dorsch, Fairmont FD 580-554-1980