Enhancing wellbeing since 2006

Critical incident

Have you or your team experienced a traumatic event or critical incident? Our critical incident stress management (CISM) services provide the support you need during these challenging times. With a kind and expert-led process, we help you navigate the emotional aftermath, ensuring no one faces it alone.

Finding balance after trauma

A critical or traumatic incident is any event that falls far outside the normal scope of human experience, one that is deeply distressing and often triggers intense emotional reactions. These incidents can range from natural disasters and workplace accidents to violent crimes or the sudden loss of a colleague. The emotional toll of such events can be overwhelming, leaving individuals struggling to process what they’ve experienced.

When a critical incident occurs, it is not uncommon for those affected to experience abnormal stress reactions. These reactions may include shock, confusion, fear, or a sense of helplessness, and they can significantly hinder a person’s ability to cope and function effectively in their day-to-day life. In a workplace setting, the emotional fallout from a traumatic event can impact not only the individuals directly involved but also their colleagues, the overall work environment, and the organisation’s productivity.

Support when it matters most

Left unaddressed, this type of distress can lead to longer-term emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also create a ripple effect, impairing the work environment by lowering morale, increasing absenteeism, and reducing overall performance.

Recognising the need for immediate and structured support in these moments, critical incident stress management offers a systematic approach to help individuals and teams manage the emotional aftermath of such events. CISM provides tailored strategies to address and alleviate stress reactions, promoting emotional recovery, resilience, and long-term mental well-being. This process is vital in helping those affected regain their sense of balance and return to their daily roles with renewed confidence and mental stability.

Guiding you through difficult times

Our critical incident stress management process is designed to support anyone affected by:

  • Violent or threatening incidents in the workplace
  • Natural or man-made disasters
  • Industrial accidents causing serious injuries or fatalities
  • The sudden or unexpected death of a colleague, from illness or suicide
  • Robbery, violent crimes, or homicides
  • Line of duty deaths or injuries among emergency and law enforcement personnel
  • Any life-threatening experience or multiple injury/fatality accidents
  • Acts of terrorism
  • Community-wide disasters
  • Vicarious trauma from engaging with victims, reading reports, or viewing graphic images
  • Emergency workers and first responders involved in critical incidents, including police, fire, and EMS personnel

Why our critical incident stress management process might be the key to overcoming your challenges:

  • Timely and effective support to help individuals and your organisation to cope with the psychological impact of a critical incident
  • Normalise the instinctive reactions to the traumatic event
  • Promotion of resilience and psychological well-being among those affected
  • Reduction of long-term psychological distress, post-traumatic symptoms and helps individuals to avoid unhelpful coping strategies
  • Meeting the needs of your staff in a timely manner to help identify additional support that may be needed and reduce absenteeism

Our process aims to reduce the emotional and psychological impact of traumatic events, providing support both before and after a crisis. We incorporate a range of proactive strategies and interventions, tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals and teams affected by these events.

Key components of our CISM process include:

  • Pre-incident preparation: Offering training and guidance to help individuals and teams build resilience and prepare for potential critical incidents, reducing the likelihood of severe stress reactions
  • Onsite support: Immediate assistance provided during or immediately after a critical event to stabilise those affected and provide emotional support in real time
  • Debriefing sessions: Structured group or individual discussions that allow participants to process and reflect on the critical event, offering emotional release and professional guidance
  • Defusing: Short, informal sessions that occur shortly after the incident to help individuals share initial reactions, emotions, and concerns, reducing immediate stress levels
  • Grief and loss sessions: Targeted support for those dealing with the emotional impact of losing a colleague or loved one, helping them cope with feelings of grief and find ways to move forward
  • Follow-up services: Ongoing support provided in the weeks and months after the incident to monitor well-being, address any lingering stress reactions, and ensure long-term resilience

Restore strength and build resilience

For organisations and individuals facing the aftermath of traumatic events, we recognise the emotional and psychological challenges that can follow. Our critical incident stress management services offer the necessary support to help your team recover, providing guidance and care during these difficult times. From immediate intervention to long-term well-being, our approach is designed to address the unique needs of those affected, fostering both recovery and resilience.

FAQ

What is a critical incident debriefing?

A critical incident debriefing is a group discussion led by a trained CISM facilitator. It usually occurs within 24-72 hours after the incident and provides a structured environment for participants to discuss their experiences, express emotions, and receive support. The goal is to help participants process the event and reduce feelings of isolation.

CISM is specifically designed for managing stress related to critical incidents. It is typically short-term and focused on immediate stabilisation and support. Regular counselling, on the other hand, can be ongoing and address a broader range of psychological and emotional issues over time. CISM often acts as a bridge to further mental health care if needed.

CISM should be implemented as soon as possible after a critical incident. Immediate interventions, such as defusing, can occur within hours of the event, while debriefings typically happen within 24-72 hours. Early intervention helps mitigate the impact of the trauma and promotes quicker recovery.

Participation in CISM is generally voluntary. While organisations may strongly encourage participation, especially for those directly involved in the incident, it’s important that individuals feel comfortable and willing to engage in the process.

CISM sessions are facilitated by trained professionals, such as psychologists, counsellors, or specially trained CISM responders. These facilitators have expertise in trauma and crisis management and are skilled in guiding individuals through the CISM process.

During a CISM session, whether individual or group, you can expect a safe, confidential environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings about the incident. The facilitator will guide the discussion, offer support, and provide coping strategies. The session is not therapy but a form of psychological first aid designed to stabilise and support you.

The duration of a CISM session can vary. Group debriefings typically last 1-2 hours, while individual sessions may be shorter or longer depending on the needs of the person involved. Follow-up sessions might also be arranged based on ongoing needs.

Yes, one of the main goals of CISM is to reduce the likelihood of long-term psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By addressing the emotional and psychological effects of a critical incident early, CISM helps individuals process their experiences and develop coping mechanisms, which can prevent the development of more serious conditions.

If you continue to experience distress after participating in CISM, it’s important to seek further help. The CISM facilitator can provide referrals to additional mental health services, such as therapy or counselling, to ensure you receive the support you need.

While CISM is often associated with workplace incidents, it can be used in any setting where a critical incident has occurred, including schools, community organisations, and emergency response situations. The principles of CISM are adaptable to various environments where individuals may experience trauma.

To implement a CISM program, your organisation can start by partnering with Rivers Assist mental health professionals and CISM-trained responders. We can train your staff in CISM principles, establishing clear protocols for responding to critical incidents, and ensuring that employees are aware of the available support are key steps.