News & Announcements
September 14, 2005Dear CISM Practitioner, In today's update, we provide a new article written by Jeffrey T. Mitchell, PhD, CTS, ICISF President Emeritus, as well as links to two articles written by George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, F.A.P.M., Chairman of the Board Emeritus of ICISF. The information is both timely and appropriate for those anticipating or considering deployment to the areas impacted by hurricane Katrina. I urge you to read all three of these articles and to share them with others whom you feel could benefit from the information. Easy Does It It happens in almost every disaster and it is happening on the Gulf Coast now. Some folks just cannot resist the temptation to self-deploy. Truthfully, some independent responders have been helpful under certain circumstances in the past. Freelance responders, however, are more likely to inadvertently generate further problems for people already in the disaster zone. Because self-deployed people do not always have the "big picture" in mind, they may end up in areas where they are not needed or where their services compete with organized response programs. Independent responders usually run out of supplies quickly and lack the benefit of an organized supply system. Frequently they request additional supplies from already strained stockpiles of disaster relief goods that organizations have shipped into the area to do their work. Needless to say, feelings of resentment on all sides can be easily stimulated under such circumstances. Unfortunately, some people, who attempt to function in disaster areas on their own, find more trouble than they anticipated. They experience numerous difficulties finding food and water; they have no real base of operations and no dependable lodging. Often they lack communications and have no liaison with organizations such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the National Organization of Victim Assistance and the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. In the past, a few people with fragile health self-deployed to disaster zones. They became sick and needed to be rescued. That, of course, further strained already overworked rescue and healthcare services. Others, who chose to work in areas where civil order was not yet restored, have become victims of robbery, violence and sexual assault. In summary, independent response adds further pressure to the rescue, health care, security and recovery systems that are attempting to restore order and reduce chaos. Please, rather than self-deploying, we urge all of you to join with existing appropriate non-profit disaster response organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, National Organization of Victim Assistance and the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. If you are not able to go to a disaster zone, your donations to any of those organizations helps more than you can imagine. Joining up or donating funds or volunteer time enhances the possibility that your resources and skills will be used in the most effective manner. There are huge benefits when our response to a disaster is part of an organized, comprehensive, integrated, systematic and multi-component approach. Please, do not freelance in a disaster. Thank you!
The following articles by George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, F.A.P.M., are being distributed with the permission of Chevron Publishing. Toward a Model of Psychological Triage: Who Will Most Need Assistance? Early Psychological Intervention: A Word of Caution
In anticipation that ICISF will be requested to deploy CISM Teams for hurricane Katrina (NOTE: there have been NO definitive requests for assignments through ICISF as of yet), please be aware of the priority system that will be applied in fulfilling such requests: A). ICISF will contact State CISM Team Coordinators / CISM Teams in geographic concentric circles outward from the location of the agency making the request. B). First priority of contact within those states will be ICISF CISM Teams that are listed as "Current" in our files. Once we have exhausted ALL "Current" Teams, C). ICISF will contact, within those states, ICISF CISM Teams that are listed as "Not Updated" in our files. Once we have exhausted ALL "Not Updated" Teams, D). ICISF may reach out to those CISM Teams who are not listed in our database. E). The last priority will be those individuals who are not affiliated with a CISM Team. There may be some additional useful needs / assignments for those individuals as well. I would suggest that you view the list of CISM Teams on the ICISF website (see link below) to determine if your Team is "Current." Should you wish to update or list your Team, please contact Rev. George Grimm, ICISF Hotline CISM Team Program Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
I also ask that each CISM Team and each CISM Team member understand that the impact of this disaster is coming back to you. It comes in the form of returning USAR Teams, DMORT Teams, Fire/Police/EMS/Communications groups and faith-based groups, as examples, that have responded from around the country and may now have been impacted and in need of CISM services. Remember, to make a significant contribution to those affected by this tragedy, one doesn't have to get mud on their shoes, blood on their sleeves or see "firsthand" the devastation. Some of the most important services you can provide are far away from the impact zone. Please provide your services when formally requested by any reputable agency, where you are needed, not where you want to be. The impact of this situation will last for months to come and so will the need for CISM Services. Also, keep in mind that all folks, to include emergency services personnel, are resilient by nature, therefore assure that your interactions are both timely and appropriate. Further updates will follow as more information is obtained.
KAT-05-04 |
September 20, 2005Dear CISM Practitioner, In today's update, we provide links to two articles written by George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, F.A.P.M., Chairman of the Board Emeritus of ICISF--one on the topic of Pastoral Crisis Intervention and the other discussing the Crisis Management Briefing (CMB). In addition, this message includes the text of articles written by two guest contributors: Daniel W. Clark, PhD, Washington State Patrol Psychologist, serving on invitational orders with the US Coast Guard; and D. Craig Newton, MSW, LCSW, BCD, DCN Consulting. The information in these articles is both timely and appropriate for those anticipating or considering deployment to the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. I urge you to read all four of these articles and to share them with others whom you feel could benefit from the information. The following articles by George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, F.A.P.M., are being distributed with the permission of Chevron Publishing. Pastoral Crisis Intervention': Toward a Definition
The Coast Guard's CISM Response to Hurricane Katrina The US Coast Guard CISM program has assisted 1,645 Coast Guard personnel since September 1st in response to Hurricane Katrina. Thirty-eight CISM trained peers from all over the Coast Guard deployed to 13 locations across the Gulf Coast region. The CISM response is being coordinated from Alexandria, LA within the Coast Guard Incident Command Post and is co-located with the Chaplian Corps. Contract mental health professionals are at Alexandria to assist. Terry Blais is overseeing the Coast Guard CISM response as a technical specialist in accordance with the National Incident Management System. CISM coordination has been organized into several sections:
In accordance with Coast Guard Commandant Instruction 1754.3, the CG CISM program follows International Critical Incident Stress Foundation guidelines for disaster response. The Coast Guard is providing one to one interventions, demobilizations and Crisis Management Briefings only at this time. As of 9/17/05:
The majority of Coast Guard units have received pre-incident CISM training. CISM team members from all over the Coast Guard receive standardized International Critical Incident Stress Foundation training in accordance with Coast Guard Policy Commandant Instruction 1754.3, which facilitates coordination of ad hoc peer teams on scene. The CISM technical specialists have received NIMS Incident Management training which facilitates operating within the emergency operation. The Coast Guard Gulf Coast CISM team has received annual training on Disaster Response to include the following incidents: OKC bombing, TWA Flight 800, Alaska Air Flight 261, Line of Duty Death, September 11th, Top-off exercise April 2005, and the Rhode Island Nightclub Fire as well as topics from previous World Congresses. We highly recommend other CISM teams include lessons learned from CISM disaster response in their training. A Local Response to Katrina Starting just after Katrina hit, there has been an outpouring of support from emergency responders all over the country by going to ravaged areas of our South. Responders have signed on for weeks at a time to assist their peers in the devastated areas. Many hospital personnel have also volunteered to go to affected areas to assist with meeting area needs. As CISM teams across the country feel the need to consider mobilizing for a possible trip to Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi or Texas, it is important also to think in terms of being available locally to those emergency responders who are returning from their tour of duty in the South. Local responders will have left their loving families, supportive friends and secure jobs for an extended period of time. Upon returning they will predictably have many thoughts and emotions that they will have only just begun to process. Imagine the responders may be living and working in places with no running water, no electricity, minimal food, and very basic sheltering. The environment is hot, buggy, with rank odors, damp, and the responders are surrounded by the devastation. Responders will encounter men, women and children who have lost everything including loved ones. They will have been told incredibly sad stories that will touch their hearts. They will bear witness to the survivors' physical and emotional pain. Responders will have felt true helplessness in their ability to make a significant impact. They will have worked long and hard, often with very little sleep. Responders will have seen horrific sights that they may describe as surreal and they may be unable to put their experiences into words. After several weeks of this emotional exposure, our local responders will return to the comfort and safety of their homes. They will have the love and support from their family and friends. This is where the readjustment will take place and the healing will begin. The availability of Peer support when they return can be helpful. As responders return to work, CISM trained peers can provide support by just listening to their stories. Listening without asking questions is an important intervention. In their own time, returning responders may express a range of feelings including anger, sadness and shame. Difficulty concentrating might not be an unusual experience in the beginning. They may seem somewhat distant, lost in their thoughts and they could find it a challenge to return to a regular routine. They may seem to be "on edge." It is very important that each CISM Trained Peer maintain close contact with an experienced Mental Health provider. The Mental Health Provider will help the Peer to triage appropriately and assist in making referrals if they are indicated. Local CISM teams, because of their acceptance by the emergency responder culture, can provide a powerful, supportive resource. Peers just listening to the stories of Katrina and its devastation can be the most helpful. Each returning responder will have a different reintegration process and we must allow them to let their story unfold over time at their own pace. This is a perfect opportunity for CISM trained teams to provide Peer support locally by listening to their own. Further updates will follow as more information is obtained.
KAT-05-05 September 30, 2005Dear CISM Practitioner, In today's update, we provide several articles. Links are provided to:
Additionally, this message includes the text of a second article written by Dr. Mitchell on "The Dangers of Overused, Inaccurate Terminology." The information in these articles is both timely and appropriate for those anticipating or considering deployment to the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. I urge you to read all four of these articles and to share them with others whom you feel could benefit from the information. The following article by George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, F.A.P.M., is being distributed with the permission of Chevron Publishing. Click on the link below for the text of an article by Jeffrey T. Mitchell, PhD, CTS When Emergency Personnel Have Losses Too
Guest contributor Dennis Potter, LMSW, FAAETS, has provided an article entitled Bringing Your Crisis Team Home After A Disaster: Post Action Staff Support (PASS). This article is distributed with the permission of Kantu Consultants. The Dangers of Overused, Inaccurate Terminology Some terms are overused or used inaccurately so often that they lose their primary meaning. In fact, overused terms can become confusing, misleading or meaningless. One overused and frequently inaccurately used term is "debriefing." For some time now, and especially in the last few weeks since the beginning of the Gulf Coast disaster, the term "debriefing" has been used so frequently and in so many different ways that many of us are unsure what is really being talked about. Everybody seems to be saying that they are "debriefing" this individual or that single victim or that they used a "debriefing" in church or with a huge group of people in a school auditorium. Some employee assistance programs claim to be "debriefing" people when what they are actually doing is providing employees with information alone. Some therapists have even used the term "debriefing" as if it were a synonym for the word "psychotherapy." Very rarely are people using the term "debriefing" in its true meaning. In other words they are not referring to the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) but to something else entirely. Yet people immediately jump to the false conclusion that "debriefing" of any kind equals "Critical Incident Stress Debriefing." The term "Critical Incident Stress Debriefing" should only be used when referring to a structured, seven-phase, small group crisis intervention tactic. It is provided by a trained team of crisis interventionists and it includes a mental health professional. Furthermore, the CISD should only be used with groups that are homogeneous and have completed their work at the scene of a traumatic event or their exposure has moved past the acute phases. Finally, a CISD is only provided when a homogeneous group has had about the same level of exposure to a traumatic event. The terms "Critical Incident Stress Debriefing" or "CISD" should only be used as described in the paragraph above. Any other use of the term "debriefing" (if one is referring to any type of emotional support process) should be abandoned entirely. Misuse of "debriefing" terminology is confusing, destructive and dangerous. People think they are receiving one type of service when they are actually getting something quite different. It is unfair to the people we serve and it is counterproductive to the entire field of crisis intervention. Thank you for reading my comments. Further updates will follow as more information is obtained.
KAT-05-06 October 7, 2005Dear CISM Practitioner, In today's update, I wish to share with you a synopsis of an article to be published in the Fall 2005 issue of LifeNet, ICISF's member newsletter. The article, written by Deb Boehme, PhD, EMT-I, LPC, DOM, of New Mexico, discusses her involvement with the recent disaster response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "Our New Mexico Disaster Medical Assistance Team (NM - DMAT) was deployed to both Hurricane Katrina and Rita. I had the opportunity to fill the roster on both as a mental health specialist and as an EMT. The experiences and challenges that our team faced will never be forgotten and the wonderful people that we connected with will stay in our hearts and minds forever. The full article to be published in LifeNet will describe how we utilized CISM for responders and civilians and their families affected by these two natural disasters. It was the experience of a life time! The article will be titled "Hurricane Blues Provide Valuable Lessons." -- Deb Boehme, PhD, EMT-I, LPC, DOM (Note from the Executive Director: This article will provide factual information about Early Psychological Intervention services which should prove enlightening given the misinformation provided in some recent publications on this topic. An advance copy of Dr. Boehme's article may be obtained by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) In addition, today we provide links to two articles. Topics include: reducing the risk of premature crisis intervention; and enhancing the CMB. The information in these articles is both timely and appropriate for those anticipating or considering deployment to the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. I urge you to read these articles and to share them with others whom you feel could benefit from the information. The articles in today's update are being distributed with the permission of Chevron Publishing. The following article is written by George S. Everly, Jr., PhD, FAPM, CTS, ICISF Chairman of the Board Emeritus. Click on the link below for the text of an article by Daniel W. Clark, PhD, Washington State Patrol, and Peter Volkmann, LMSW, Town of Ossining, NY Police Department.
Coming Soon: We are in the process of setting up a web-based archive of previously sent Hurricane Katrina email updates. A link to the archive will be provided in a future email update as soon as it is available. Further updates will follow as more information is obtained.
KAT-05-07 October 14, 2005Dear CISM Practitioner, ICISF has been assisting, directly and indirectly, the Emergency Operations Centers in the Gulf Coast region since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck, in providing early psychological intervention and crisis management services in the affected areas. Recently, ICISF has received two specific requests for assistance in the Gulf Coast region: 1. To provide early psychological intervention/crisis management services for Emergency Services personnel. Any interested teams that would like further information may contact the ICISF office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 2. To locate licensed Mental Health Professionals able to provide early psychological intervention/crisis management services. Interested individuals may contact the ICISF office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please indicate which of the two requests you are interested in potentially fulfilling when sending your email. Thank you. In today's update, we provide a link to an article about a research study conducted on the effectiveness of employer-sponsored crisis interventions after a major disaster. The results include implications applicable to post-Katrina crisis interventions. The information in this article is both timely and appropriate for those anticipating or considering deployment to the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. I urge you to read this article and to share it with others whom you feel could benefit from the information. The article in today's update is being distributed with the permission of Chevron Publishing and is written by Joseph A. Boscarino, PhD, MPH, Richard E. Adams, PhD, and Charles R. Figley, PhD.
Additionally, please see the announcement, below, about an important new research project. This is an opportunity for you and/or your team to participate and have an impact on the future of CISM. ICISF is very supportive of research examining the effectiveness of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Model. In line with that, the following exciting opportunity to participate in research is being offered to ICISF members and other interested practitioners of early psychological intervention. The preliminary materials have been presented at the ICISF 8th World Congress on Stress, Trauma & Coping and are very promising. However, more teams are needed to expand the research. If you or your team has the time to participate with this exciting project, please review the materials via the link below. Contact J. De Gaglia, PhD, LMHC, EMT-B, ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), lead investigator, who will provide all materials and consultation. You and your team simply supply the venue and the techniques. Research done today will improve the health and welfare of the people we serve for tomorrow. Handbook for the Collection of Research on the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Model.
Coming Soon: We are in the process of setting up a web-based archive of previously sent Hurricane Katrina email updates. A link to the archive will be provided in a future email update as soon as it is available.
Further updates will follow as more information is obtained.
KAT-05-08 |
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Navigating the Next Era of Crisis & Disaster Response
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United Nations Critical Incident Stress Management Unit (CIMU)
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