ICISF is proud to be a partner in the 2013 International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week, a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Volunteer Fire Council. The week of June 16-22 will be devoted to helping firefighters and EMS providers recognize the critical importance of taking care of themselves and their brothers and sisters in the Fire/EMS service.

The week-long span ensures that all shifts will be able to participate in training events. This year’s theme focuses on behavioral health.

The event website features marketing and training resources for department coordinators, including a list of suggested activities.

If you need further assistance in planning your department's events, or you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone (410-750-9600) or email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

4/15/13 – 4/19/13

Boston Marathon Bombing and Watertown, Massachusetts Tragedies

The Massachusetts State and Local CISM Teams are currently managing/coordinating the CISM Response within the state for this tragic incident.

-They are a seasoned and well-disciplined. The leadership know their limits and they know when to ask for supplemental resources.

-They have set up their integrated Incident Command System. They are performing the necessary field and personnel assessments.

-They are developing the appropriate time lines and actions (CISM Interventions) as anticipated and needed.

-ICISF shall be in periodic contact with representatives.

To that end, there is NO need nor formal request for outside assistance at the present time. Please do not add to an already hectic situation by self-deploying.

4/17/13

West, Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion

The  Texas Department of State Health Services CISM Network  is cucurrently managing/coordinating the CISM Response within the state for this tragic incident.

-They are a seasoned and well-disciplined. The leadership know their limits and they know when to ask for supplemental resources.

-They have set up their integrated Incident Command System.

-They are performing the necessary field and personnel assessments.

-They are developing the appropriate time lines and actions (CISM Interventions) as anticipated and needed.

-ICISF shall be in periodic contact with representatives

To that end, there is NO need nor formal request for outside assistance at the present time. Please do not add to an already hectic situation by self-deploying.

Crisis Intervention and Management Australasia (CIMA) is holding its biennial Conference on Monday, 28th and Tuesday, 29th of October, 2013 at Hilton on the Park in Melbourne. The Conference provides opportunities for presentation of new ideas and networking between colleagues interested in the fields of trauma and crisis in the workplace and in the community.

The focus of this Conference is on the central role of resilience in disasters and significant events that may overwhelm a workforce or organisation The interface between responders, recovery agencies and communities will be explored together with what has been learned from recent disasters and how this can lead to better practice.

CIMA is inviting proposals for papers in the broad areas of crisis, trauma and resilience. We especially welcome proposals that are empirically based and that describe innovative practice. We welcome diverse methodologies including experimental case study research as well as conceptual developments. Proposals will be reviewed on the basis of 1) contributions to the theme of the Conference; and 2) originality and innovation in theory and/or practice.

The Conference will feature key note addresses from Major General John Cantwell, author of ‘Exit Wounds’ and Dr Rob Gordon, Clinical Psychologist and Psychological Consultant to the International Operations Department of Australian Red Cross.

Go to cima.org.au for more information

A Message from the ICISF Executive Director.  Find out what ICISF has planned for 2013.

Click here to find out more.