Critical Incident Debriefing

What is a critical incident?

Workers responding to emergencies or disasters will see and experience

events that strain their ability to function. These events, which include having to witness or experience

tragedy, death, serious injuries, and threatening situations, are called “Critical Incidents.” The physical

and psychological well-being of those experiencing this stress and their future ability to function through

a prolonged response will depend on how they manage it.

What is Critical Incident Stress Debriefing?

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a facilitator-led

group process conducted soon after a traumatic event with individuals under trauma exposure stress.

When structured, the process usually (but not always) consists of seven steps: Introduction, Fact Phase,

Thought Phase, Reaction Phase, Symptom Phase, Teaching Phase, and Re-entry Phase. This early

intervention process supports recovery by providing group support and linking employees to further

counseling and treatment services if necessary.

Western Kansas Coalition for First Responders offers these debriefings accessible to any First Responder

organization in Western Kansas.

PEER Support Training- Offered several times a year-dates to be determined

First Responder Couples Retreat- (Under construction)