Responding to Suicide in the Community 
David J. Aurisano, LMSW, CBC

After a suicide, a suicide assessment should be conducted with the survivors, as they are seen as high-risk groups for suicide as well. Presenter will discuss working with survivors, including the follow-up services and support for the healing process to reduce suicide risk.
 

Joining All the Dots--Establishing and Maintaining Inter and Intra-Service Links and Networks 
Monica Kleinman

In 2003, the New South Wales State Emergency Service formally launched its own CISM program. Examine the process of setting up a state-wide CISM program from scratch—the networks and systems required to do this effectively; how to promote the program to all levels of the service and with other emergency services in a collaborative and cooperative way.
 

Developing a Peer Support & CISM Team for EPA’s Emergency Responders
Jan Shubert, LCSW, Mary Beth Williams, PhD, LCSW

The findings of a 2001 needs assessment with EPA's emergency responders coupled with the aftereffects of their involvement in the events of 9/11 led to a proposal to develop a peer support and CISM program. Trace the evolution of that proposal into a working national disaster response team.
 

Enhancing and Integrating Resources: Increasing Team Effectiveness
Sgt. Denney Kelley, CTR, MBA

Designed for CISM Team members. Review typical EAP systems and Health Care providers used by employers, resources often underutilized by Teams, employers and staff. Through a model taught in the workshop, attendees will learn how to employ the strengths and capabilities of these systems.
 

The California Firestorms
Nancy K. Bohl, PhD, Bonnie Spitzer

Eight simultaneously burning wildfires tested a team’s ability to respond as well as the entire CISM process. This presentation will discuss the history of the devastating Southern California wildfires of October 2003, related statistics as well as the lessons learned from this historic disaster.
 

Building Partners: Community-based Crisis Intervention Centers for Disasters
Carol A. Fetters Andersen, MSN, RN, The Rev. Donald L. Burggraf, MDiv

As your community or organization plans for disaster preparedness, many scenarios could require off-site crisis centers located away from hospital campuses. The faith-based community is well positioned to serve this purpose, and can link persons in need to social services, non-profit agencies and volunteers. Presenters share an implementation model building on ICISF Pastoral Crisis Intervention training that can help community partners build a Community-based Crisis Intervention Center for Disasters.
 

An Immunization Against Stress... Pre-Incident Education
Michael J. Haley, CTR

The Pre-incident Education component of CISM sets the tone for how officers perceive and accept the CISM team. In this workshop, learn how to prepare and implement a Pre-incident Education Program and examine what has worked for the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police Critical Incident Program, and across the country in the Law Enforcement community. While the focus of this session is law enforcement, the information can be applied to all disciplines.
 

In July 2003, the administration of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital learned that a nurse may have been hastening the death of patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Bill Robertson, CEO of parent corporation Adventist Health Care, assembled a "Corporate Crisis Management Steering Committee" to guide the hospital, its staff and community through the crisis. Presenters address the management of the ongoing crisis amid the loss of trust within the hospital and with the general public.
 

Explore the psychological complexities in our aviation world post 9/11/01. Examine the application & implementation of CISD among airline employees & its efficacy, and discuss the changes & challenges since 9/11. The impact of 9/11 on our collective consciousness will be highlighted integrating the archetype of trauma referencing the works of theorists such as Jung and Kalshed.
 

Gain valuable lessons learned from the response to two events in one rural Pennsylvania school district: a machete attack on 11 kindergarten students and three educators in an elementary school in 2001; and a murder-suicide at the Jr. High School cafeteria two years later. First-hand accounts by the presenters give insight into leadership and recovery efforts during a school crisis.
 

Enduring Families: Helping Guard Families Survive with CISM
Peter R. Teahen, FD

Military families have faced incredible personal sacrifices and hardships in the war on terrorism.  Explore a unique model program designed for the Iowa National Guard, “Enduring Families”.  This multi-component CISM program, developed originally to help soldiers and families deal with combat deaths and injuries, now encompasses pre-deployment education and reunification retreats.
 

Assessing the Return on Investment of a CISM Program
Joachim Vogt, Joerg Leonhardt, Stefan Pennig

Discuss pros and cons of evaluating the economic effect of CISM, based on a study conducted for Eurocontrol, for which German air traffic controllers, their peers and managers reported the costs and benefits of the CISM program. The economic impacts were calculated with respect to gained controller days and proved amortization of the program since implementation in 1999.
 

Death Notification: Changing Lives Forever
Lynn Ewing, MA, LPC

The manner in which one learns of the death of a loved one may equate to their grief impact and coping experience. The impact associated with the delivery of such news can produce an intense stress reaction for the members of the Notification Team. Examine methods and protocols for notification to help reduce the impact on both the receiver and the Notification Team.
 

Disaster Preparedness & the Workplace: Potential Barriers & Policy Issues
Alan M. Langlieb, MD, MPH, Sara Johnson, MPH, Pritesh Gandhi

A study of over 1500 who were involved with clean-up of the 9/11 WTC site forms the basis for discussion about the obstacles to overcome when setting up disaster mental health plans for the workplace. Potential barriers and policy issues, including ethical and legal issues related to the protection of employees, will also be discussed.
 

Bringing Massage After-Crisis Care into the Local Fire Department
Mary Lou Knapke, SC, LMT, Assistant Chief Mike L. Rupp, Capt. Carter D. Pittman, Chief Trish Brooks

Benefits and complications of bringing an After-Crisis Care volunteer licensed massage therapy program into a local fire department will be presented. Examine a model with training guidelines for budget, development, selection, integration, supervision, scheduling, evaluation and on-going placement of licensed massage therapists into firehouse culture.
 

CISM Programs in the Correctional Service of Canda and Canada Border Services Agency
Pamela E. Scott, Christina Browne, M.Ed., R.Psych., Greg Janelle, CTR, Supt. Mary Sandhu, Supt. Bernie Pitura

Although distinct, the CISM programs at these two major Canadian government agencies shared similar challenges and successes in incorporating CISM into unique work cultures and environments. The presenters will demonstrate how an existing program acted as mentor for a new program and how developmental links and synergies were discovered for both in the process.  In addition, important new research on stressors in the Correctional workplace will be presented.
 

New Directions in Early Intervention Research
Jeffrey M. Lating, PhD, moderator

Utilizing the Debriefing Model for the Anticipated Death of a Colleague
Stephanie A. Dill, LCSW, Maria Teahan, ACSW, LCSW

Impending deaths of coworkers due to terminal illness or injury are often overlooked in crisis response planning protocols by an employer. Review grief theory as well as the actual application of the debriefing model to this unique situation. Key concepts throughout the crisis intervention continuum will be detailed in an interactive small group process.
 

Certification for the Trauma Worker: How Important is It?
Susy Sanders, PhD

How can trained, experienced trauma service worker be identified from the curiosity seeker, profit maker or well-intended but inexperienced person? Certification identifies people who have met standards for trauma training, trauma experience and are actively providing services.
 

Threat Assessment in Schools: Preventing School Violence
 Corasue K. Upchurch, MA, Kathleen D. Schafer, MSW, LSW

Discuss how to manage threatening situations in schools before they develop into acts of violence. Review the Safe School Initiative and consider the implications of the key findings. Learn how to identify students of concern and conduct a fair and safe threat assessment. Lastly, review specific ideas for creating safer schools.
 

The Ebenezer Church Fire
Richard T. Boland, EMT-P

Discuss the March 2004 fire and the CISM response. The fire was a challenge due to the initial flashover which injured 26 Fire Fighters. During the overhaul, the bell tower collapsed killing two Fire Fighters and injuring an additional three. Review the on scene support, the defusing process, one-on-one interventions, debriefings and the follow-up weeks after the fire.
 

Helping Organizations Develop Trauma-sensitive Business Continuity Plans
Stephen G. White, PhD, JoAnne B. Lippert, PhD, Anne Schroeder, MFT

In spite of assistance provided to traumatized employees, employers are often insufficiently prepared for the extent to which high stress, grief, and trauma will permeate business recovery. Address the human factor in business continuity planning. Explore how organizations and their trauma consultants can plan and train for the impact of terrorism and mass-victimization events.
 

9/11-Iraqi War Port Mortuary Operations: CISM Lessons Learned & Innovations
Ch., Lt. Col. Karen H. Stocks, MDiv

Explore Dover Port Mortuary CISM practices and innovations implemented along a continuum of events, in response to the 9/11 Pentagon terrorist attack through support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM/IRAQI FREEDOM military casualties. Discuss philosophy, protocol adjustments, team member identifications and extent of CISM services "reach" based on lessons learned.
 

EMDR & CISM: Unbeatable Partners
Roger M. Solomon, PhD, Jeffrey T. Mitchell, PhD, CTS, Kay Werk, LISW,  Kathy Thomas, PhD

Current critical incidents heighten the importance of providing practical, efficient assistance to those who are impacted. Controlled research has demonstrated the efficacy of EMDR.  EMDR readily fits in the continuum of CISM. This presentation will discuss EMDR research, method, model, and use with CISM. Case examples, data, and a video presentation will illustrate utilization of EMDR within a CISM framework including how peers can assist in bridging to EMDR.
 

Baltimore Water Taxi Incident
Frank Hazzard, Battalion Chief, Melvin L. Johnson, Command Master Chief, George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, FAPM, CTS

In March 2004, a water taxi boat capsized in the icy waters of Baltimore Harbor, with 25 passengers, mostly tourists, aboard, killing 5 and injuring all of the others. Although the rescue phase of the incident lasted less than 30 minutes, a multi-agency effort to recover 3 bodies went on for 10 days. The Baltimore City Fire Dept. CISM Team provided many interventions related to this protracted event, and learned several valuable lessons.
 

PTSD in the Aftermath of Murder
Carrie M. Freitag, MPS, Margaret Kerouac, CAS/MS, CASAC, CCDC

PTSD in survivors of homicide victims is commonly misunderstood or minimized. Understanding PTSD helps survivors feel more in control and less likely to be thrown repeatedly into crisis every time a new issue or aspect of their tragedy arises. Examine information, perspectives, and tools to help survivors recognize and persevere through the trauma of murder. 
 

Compassion Fatigue: The Professional Liability of Caring Too Much
Rosemary A. Thompson, EdD, LPC, NCSC

Compassion fatigue is the emotional residue of exposure to working with the suffering, particularly those suffering from the consequences of traumatic events. A discussion of strategies that will be useful in preventing compassion fatigue for those in the helping professions will be provided.
 

El Cajón School Shootings: Lessons Learned
Joanne M. Tortorici Luna, PhD, DTR, BCSCR

After the school shootings in El Cajón (CA) high schools, the presenters extensively interviewed school and law enforcement personnel directly involved in the incidents. Lessons learned are presented and discussed regarding the nature of the incidents, staff preparation, crisis team deployment, and implications for future emergency preparedness.
 

Family Support for High Risk Professionals During One or More Line-of-Duty Deaths
Paul Antonellis Jr., MA, CEAP, Lynette Jelinek

Line-of-duty death (LODD) and multiple LODDs have a devastating impact on the family system. Review the basic notification process for one or more LODDs, basic grief principles, and grief responses, and address the needed support for the family during notification, at the hospital, during the funeral, and follow-up. Vital information for CISM teams, emergency services professionals, military personnel, their spouses, significant others, families, organizational leaders, mental health professionals, and clergy.
 

The Neurobiology and Treatment of Traumatized Children
Adam Lesser, LICSW

When a Responder Can’t Complete the Shift
Capt. Tim W. Dietz, MA, EMT-P, Rachel E. Kaul, LCSW, CTS

All Emergency Responders are vulnerable to excessive stress reactions that can temporarily compromise performance and the safety of everyone on a scene. Presenters address the issue of assisting adversely affected personnel. Discuss individual and organizational concerns and examine a comprehensive approach and plan to ensure proper stress mitigation.
 

Back Pocket Skills - Crisis Management Briefing (CMB)
Peter Volkmann, MSW, CSW

The CMB group intervention has evolved into a group utility intervention with a multitude of applications for CISM response. This workshop is designed to provide practical “back pocket skills” to maximize effectiveness for large and small groups in crisis. Review pitfalls and traps  along with benefits and limitations when compared with other group interventions.
 

HIPAA and the CISM Response
Patricia L. Tritt, RN, MA

The Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act has created concerns regarding the discussion of protected health information during CISM interventions. Explore how HIPAA limits or inhibits the CISM process and business associate agreements for CISM teams. Participants will discuss challenges experienced by their teams and are also asked to bring samples of Business Associate Agreements and team member confidentiality forms.
 

CISM Team Development and Maintenance: Rural to Urban - A 15 Year Saga
Don Ostendorf, CISW, Mitchell Gelber, EdD

Explore critical issues faced by a team serving a region of explosive population growth, including: “subscription” based funding, professional staffing, training, private sector-public sector cooperative multi-agency sponsorship, and unanticipated events (wild land fire, police shootings, aircraft accidents) in which the team has been the sole source of CISM services.
 

Losing the Wall:  Residential CISM with Combat Veterans & Line of Duty Injury
Assistant Chief Hayden A. Duggan, EdD, Retired Capt. Alan W. Benner, PhD

The West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat program and the On-Site Academy, where CISM is applied in residential settings, jointly present data demonstrating the efficacy of this innovative peer/clinical milieu approach to coping with trauma and addictions. New structured methods for treating line of duty injury and combat stress will be discussed.
 

Essentials of School Crisis Response Planning
Mary Schoenfeldt

Federal requirements for Crisis Response Programs now dictate that schools must organize their plan using the Incident Command System. Discuss the minimum requirements for a School Crisis Response plan to handle all elements of the crisis effectively, including how Disaster Mental Health Services are coordinated. Analyze the latest requirements due to Homeland Security changes.
 

Beyond the Console
Paul V. Jockimo

The real heart of EVERY communications center is the Dispatcher, not the variety of high tech equipment in use there. Examine the personal and professional traits required to survive in this high stress field. Strong emphasis will be placed on stress management and individual wellness.
 

Stress in the Emergency Department
Stephen A. Pulley, DO, FACOEP

The Emergency Department is on the frontline of a dysfunctional healthcare system. Understanding the unique stressors in this work setting leads to staff members and CISM support being better prepared for their functional roles, and to staff empowered to better manage their stress environments.
 

Emergency Preparedness in Childcare
Kathleen Beauchesne, PhD, MBA, MSW, Stephen Rohde, Arna L. Griffith

Focuses on the needs of child-care workers during and after a disaster and presents lessons learned from public health models.  The strategy developed by the MD Committee for Children for statewide training and intervention with child caregivers and parents will be discussed.
 

The Florida Hurricanes of 2004
Susan B. Whitney, LMHC, Natalie Duran

In a six week period in 2004, a tropical storm and five hurricanes made landfall in Florida, affecting most of the state. CISM of Florida, Inc. had to overcome many challenges, including most team members being personally affected during at least one of the storms. Presenters share lessons learned from the prolonged response to multiple disasters.