How does Critical Incident Stress Management help? 1-800-632-8000

Within the past few years, the special needs of emergency personnel have been recognized. The work they perform can be emotionally difficult, physically draining and can profoundly impact on all aspects of their life. They are often unaware of the impact that an event has upon them. The stress inherent in their jobs can cause the emergency service worker to experience a variety of symptoms including fatigue, nausea, change of appetite, headaches, memory loss, and lack of concentration, anxiety, fears, guilt, depression, nightmares, insomnia, flashbacks, irritability or emotional numbing. Virtually everyone who provides emergency services will eventually exhibit a stress reaction. 

 

Emergency personnel benefit from a CISM because it:

Reduces the impact of the stressful experience

Reduces the isolation and the feeling of being abnormal

Promotes psychological well being

Helps prevent delayed psychological reactions

Improves coping skills for future incidents

Helps keep them productive and on the job

 

In general, critical incident stress management promotes a more rapid recovery from the incident and facilitates normal integration back into home and work routines.