| | Mississippi River Valley CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management)
When normal people have normal reactions to extraordinary events.
“Experiencing a critical incident is like ‘crossing a fence’ or losing one’s innocence. One knows he is vulnerable and that he may not be able to control a situation. One needs to come to grips with this reality; there is no jumping back over the fence.” – Roger M. Solomon, PhD
Emergency personnel face a variety of stressors daily and, in general, cope very well. Occasionally, they deal with situations that can produce strong emotional reactions and are therefore labeled critical incidents. There is strong evidence supporting the value of intervention by a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team to help emergency personnel cope with these situations.
The Mississippi River Valley Critical Incident Stress Management Team consists of a multi-faceted approach for recognition and intervention of Emergency Services stress and critical incident stress.
Who does the CISM Team serve?
- Fire departments
- Police departments
- Emergency personnel
- Ambulance services
- Hospital staff
- Dispatch centers
- Disaster response teams
- Air medical personnel
- Medical Examiners/Coroners
Who is on the CISM Team?
The CISM Team consists of mental health professionals and peer support individuals drawn from the emergency services professions. Team members receive ongoing education and special training in CISM and related areas.
What is a critical incident?
Any event with sufficient emotional impact to overcome the usual coping abilities of emergency personnel. For example:
- Line of duty death
- Injury to emergency provider
- Suicide of a coworker
- Disaster/multiple casualties
- Cases with excessive media attention
- Life-threatening events
- Youthful victims
- Prolonged incident, especially with loss of life
What counties are served?
- Buffalo
- Jackson
- La Crosse
- Monroe
- Trempealeau
- Vernon
- Portions of SE Minnesota and NE Iowa
What is the cost?
CISM Team services are free.
What does the CISM Team offer?
- Preventive educational programs regarding critical incident stress and recognition of stress symptoms
- Defusing and debriefings
- Referral and resource information
When should I call?
The best time for a Critical Incident Stress debriefing is 24 to 72 hours after a critical incident. The CISM Team will come to you or provide a confidential setting for your group.
Where should I call?
Gundersen Lutheran
Trauma & Emergency Center
Social Services
(608) 782-7300, ext. 53652
(800) 362-9567, ext. 53652
The CISM Team is sponsored by Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. |