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Requesting Crisis Intervention (CISM)
Early psychological intervention should be based on recognition of need, not strictly the occurrence of an event. What is appropriate will depend on the nature, severity and duration of the event; the number, skills and cohesiveness of those involved; and the severity of their physical and emotional symptoms.
Critical Incident Peer Support Groups are mobilized through the normal dispatch channels. Requests for fire related CISM services (pre-suppression, suppression, fire mangagment activities, etc.) CISM services are made to the appropriate Geographic Area Coordination Center and orders are placed through the dispatch/coordination system. For non-fire CISM related services contact the Geographic Area or National CISM Coordinator. BLM non-fire requests are placed from the State Director to the Assistant Director, Fire and Aviation. See BLM Policy
Timing and Why it's Important
One risk of crisis intervention is "premature intervention" which may interfere with the natural recovery mechanisms of some victims. Crisis intervention processes generally start no sooner than 48-72 hours after an incident. It is important to allow time for affected individuals to disengage operationally, and re-connect with family or friends. Once this occurs individuals are typically emotionally ready to benefit from peer support.
Efforts to provide crisis services must well-timed, well measured and delivered by trained and certified personnel. Crisis intervention services must complement and augment natural recovery and restorative mechanisms and not interfere with the process.
The First 24-48 Hours After a Critical Incident
Current research has demonstrated that good management care plays a vital role in the prevention, support and improvement of traumatic stress symptoms. Feeling cared about and supported in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event is hugely important in the healing and recovery process. Manager and colleague support is an essential element in the effective recovery of individuals and the provision of a supportive environment is the responsibility of line managers and managers who have a key role in ensuring staff are supported. » Read More
CISM Ordering Procedures
- CISM Ordering Guidelines -BLM
- CISM Ordering Guidelines - Great Basin
- CISM Ordering Guidelines-Southwest Area
- CISM Request Intake Form
- After a Critical Incident
- Leadership During Crisis
- Suicide Intervention
Why Technical Specialist or THSP?
ICISF no longer approves or recognizes any of its registered CISM Teams or CISM organizations that utilize the term “debriefing” in their names (i.e., Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team). In fact, the overhead mnemonic "CISD" is not utilized when ordering CISM personnel. CISM personnel are ordered as individual overhead with the mnemonic Technical Specialist (THSP).
Additional Information
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
» Read More
Defense Center of Excellence
» Read More
Share the Load
» Read More
Geograhpic Area CISM Information
- Great Basin
- Southwest
- Rocky Mountain
- Alaska
- Southern Area
- Eastern Area
- Northern California
- Southern California
- Northern Rockies
- Northwest
Employee Assistance Programs
Other Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
» Read MoreNational Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service.
» Read MoreVeterans Crisis Line
Read More
Disaster Distress Lifeline
Crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Branch of Wildland Fire Management
3833 South Development Avenue t malesuada Boise, ID 83705
