On a daily basis, EMS providers experience some of life's most tragic and difficult events. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a vital component of mitigating the effects of traumatic stress ensuring providers have a safe place to process through those tough calls. Click the links below to contact local CISM teams or learn about how to become an accredited CISM - Peer Support Team.
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Critical Incident Stress Management - Peer Support FAQ
1. Will the local CISM-Peer Support team respond to family emergency situations, such as an abusive husband or a son who is involved in drugs?
The Virginia CISM-Peer Support teams respond to emergency services agencies (EMS, fire and police), after a critical incident. You may find assistance through your county's mental health department.
2. Why is there a higher concentration of CISM-Peer Support teams in the northern Virginia area than the rest of the state?
The majority of the Virginia CISM-Peer Support teams are managed at the EMS regional council level, except in the northern Virginia area. CISM-Peer Support started in Virginia in the Alexandria and Arlington County areas, after the Air Florida air crash. The CISM-Peer Support program was then started in each county in that area - and has remained so.
3. What do I have to do to join a Virginia CISM-Peer Support team?
You must complete the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) Group Crisis Intervention course and complete the requirements for the specific CISM-Peer Support team in your area.
4. What is the difference between CISM and Peer Support?
While both CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) and Peer Support programs are designed to support the mental health of responders, there are key differences between the two. CISM is a comprehensive, structured approach to managing stress following critical incidents, typically involving a range of interventions (e.g., defusing, debriefing, and individual consultation). Peer Support, on the other hand, focuses on offering emotional support through peers who share similar experiences, often in a more informal, ongoing manner. For a more detailed comparison between the two programs, please click here.