Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters - Critical Incident Stress Management

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) represents an integrated and comprehensive multi-component approach to the provision of psychological crisis intervention and disaster mental health (Everly & Mitchell, 2008). Unique stressors exist for those who choose to assist others, especially in emergency events. – “the cost of caring”.

CISM integrates the latest theories and research in psychological stress and crisis intervention. CISM represents a "continuum of care" that addresses various components of emergency response from a psychological perspective – from mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

CISM Goals include:

- Stabilization of psychological functioning,

- Mitigation of psychological dysfunction or distress,

- Return to psychological functioning,

- Facilitation to a higher level of care if needed

CISM helps keep the helpers psychologically healthy and doing what they love doing – helping others.

CISM is a peer driven program with mental health professionals a “back-up”.

Addressing potential “psychological toxins” unique to the event is the focus of CISM activities.

CISM is committed to assisting each CAP volunteer to be psychologically ready for various psychologically challenging life events and to return home psychologically safe after each mission.

“As physical first aid is to surgery, psychological crisis intervention is to psychotherapy.” (Everly & Mitchell, 2008).

CISM Information request/comment form

If you have any questions or comments
about the CISM program, please use the
form below. Your comment/question will
be forwarded to the respective National
CISM staff member.

	Email Address
	Questions or Comments (please include your name below)

CISM News

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