Workshops Group Services Supervisor/Manager Training
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Unfortunately, bad things do happen
to good people. A tragic accident, sudden unexpected death, violence at work or
at home, suicide, terminal or chronic illness. While these are tragic events or
critical incidents, they do happen. When they do, they usually are emotionally
overwhelming to those who witnessed the event or knew the people involved.
Critical incidents cause significant physical, cognitive, and emotional reactions. It is important to remember that these are normal reactions to an abnormal event. That is one of the primary objectives of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), which provides a variety of group interventions after the incident.
CISM provides confidential sessions such as, defusings and debriefings designed to reduce the impact of the event, accelerate recovery and return us to everyday functioning. In the long run, they help to prevent Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
 | They are not a critique or administrative review of what happened to assign blame. |
| They are a supportive group process designed and proven to be helpful to people |
| They are strictly confidential. |
In many cases, CISM services are a part of your EAP services. Solutions EAP staff are trained, certified and experienced in conducting these groups. Some larger employers have their own CISM Teams (see below) that have peers trained to provide these services. If you ever have a question or have a need for services, please call the EAP at 1-800-526-3485 as soon as possible or call a Team Leader below if you work for the same employer.
Click here to view the Critical Incident Stress Information Sheets, reproduced with full permission of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. They provide common signs of a stress reaction and things to try to reduce your stress reaction.
HARTFORD HEALTH CARE CORPORATION
Hartford Hospital – Jacqueline
McQuay, 860-545-1538, Monica Fowler, 860-545-2966
Institute of Living – Heidi McCloskey, 860-545-7061
Connecticut Childrens Medical Center – Patricia McIntosh, 860-545–9702
MidState Medical Center – Doreen Buttone, 203-694-8369, Marcia
Eager, 860-704-6234
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION SERVICES
Contact Solutions at 1-800-526-3485 to get the names of the Team Leaders at the various DMHAS sites.