Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
A “critical incident” is any event that has the potential
of causing an unusually strong, intense, or lasting emotional reaction.
The severity of this event is such that its impact may interfere with
one’s ability to cope or function after the incident.
Examples of critical incidents include events such as:
- Witnessing or knowing of the death or injury of a co-worker
- Being witness to an armed robbery
- Witnessing any event which is extremely macabre or grotesque
- Experiencing a near death or close-call incident
Critical incidents are very likely to have an impact on the functioning
of a business or organization and, if left untreated, may result in expensive
personnel problems and deteriorated workplace functioning.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a specific intervention
designed to assist those impacted by a critical incident. The CISD assists
all impacted by the critical incident process the event and work toward
coping strategies that are more likely to be helpful and healthy for the
individual and the company/organization.
Wellplace provides a variety of CISD services. These range from individual
telephone contacts with impacted personnel to in-person on-site debriefings
involving entire organizations. Wellplace also provides training to managers
on CISD facilitation procedures and practices.
The benefits of CISD’s are well documented. When unfortunate events
occur the CISD intervention represents a tremendous support option for
all involved and will help minimize adverse impact to the organization’s
overall functioning & bottom line.
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