How can you promote agility and flexibility for critical incident stress management?

1 Assess the situation

The first step to promote agility and flexibility for CISM is to assess the situation. You need to gather information about the nature, scope, and severity of the incident, the number and characteristics of the affected responders, the available resources and support, and the potential challenges and risks. This will help you identify the most appropriate and effective CISM interventions for the specific context. You can use tools such as the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) or the Psychological First Aid (PFA) to conduct a rapid and structured assessment of the situation and the needs of the responders.

2 Plan and coordinate

The second step to promote agility and flexibility for CISM is to plan and coordinate the implementation of the interventions. You need to establish clear roles and responsibilities, communicate with the stakeholders, and allocate the resources and support. You also need to monitor and evaluate the progress and outcomes of the interventions, and adjust them as needed. You can use frameworks such as the Incident Command System (ICS) or the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to facilitate the planning and coordination of the CISM activities.

3 Provide options and choices

The third step to promote agility and flexibility for CISM is to provide options and choices for the responders. You need to recognize that different responders may have different preferences, needs, and coping styles, and that they may benefit from different types of CISM interventions. You can offer a range of options and choices, such as individual or group sessions, peer or professional support, formal or informal settings, and online or offline modes. You can also encourage the responders to participate voluntarily and actively in the CISM interventions, and respect their autonomy and confidentiality.

4 Foster a supportive culture

The fourth step to promote agility and flexibility for CISM is to foster a supportive culture in your organization. You need to create an environment where the responders feel valued, respected, and appreciated, and where they can express their emotions, concerns, and feedback without fear of stigma or judgment. You can also promote a culture of learning and improvement, where the responders can share their experiences, insights, and best practices, and where they can access training and education on CISM and related topics.

5 Engage with the community

The fifth step to promote agility and flexibility for CISM is to engage with the community. You need to acknowledge that the responders are not isolated from their families, friends, and social networks, and that they may also need their support and understanding. You can also leverage the community resources and partnerships, such as local mental health agencies, faith-based organizations, or volunteer groups, to enhance and complement the CISM interventions. You can also involve the community in the recovery and resilience process, such as by organizing commemorative events, recognition ceremonies, or public education campaigns.

6 Review and revise

The sixth and final step to promote agility and flexibility for CISM is to review and revise your CISM policies and practices. You need to collect and analyze the feedback and data from the responders, the CISM providers, and the community, and use them to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your CISM interventions. You also need to incorporate the lessons learned and the best practices from your own and other organizations, and update your CISM policies and practices accordingly. You can also seek external accreditation or certification for your CISM program, such as by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) or the American Association of Suicidology (AAS).

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?