What are the resources and tools available for critical incident stress management training and education?

1 CISM Training Programs

There are various CISM training programs available for different audiences and settings, such as emergency responders, health care workers, military personnel, educators, clergy, and community leaders. Some of the most recognized and accredited CISM training programs are offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA), and the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM). These programs cover topics such as crisis intervention, psychological first aid, group debriefing, peer support, resilience, and self-care.

2 CISM Online Courses

If you prefer to learn at your own pace and convenience, you can also access CISM online courses from various sources. For example, the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS) offers a series of online courses on CISM and related topics, such as trauma-informed care, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and suicide prevention. The Disaster Mental Health Institute (DMHI) at the University of South Dakota also provides online courses on CISM and disaster psychology, as well as a certificate program in disaster mental health.

3 CISM Books and Manuals

Gaining knowledge and skills in CISM can be achieved by reading books and manuals written by experts and practitioners in the field. Popular CISM books and manuals include Critical Incident Stress Management in Aviation by George S. Everly Jr. and Jeffrey T. Mitchell, Critical Incident Stress Management: Group Crisis Intervention by Jeffrey T. Mitchell and George S. Everly Jr., Psychological First Aid: Field Operations Guide by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for PTSD, The Resilient Practitioner: Burnout Prevention and Self-Care Strategies for Counselors, Therapists, Teachers, and Health Professionals by Thomas M. Skovholt and Michelle Trotter-Mathison, and The Trauma Toolkit: Healing PTSD from the Inside Out by Susan Pease Banitt. These resources can provide invaluable insights into CISM, helping to enhance the knowledge of professionals in the field.

4 CISM Apps and Websites

You can access CISM information and support anytime and anywhere with apps and websites such as PTSD Coach, Disaster Distress Helpline, Psychological First Aid Online, Headspace, and the Trauma Recovery Network. PTSD Coach is an app developed by the VA that helps manage PTSD symptoms, cope with stress, find professional help, and connect with others who have PTSD. Disaster Distress Helpline offers 24/7 crisis counseling and support to people affected by disasters and traumatic events. Psychological First Aid Online provides a free interactive course on how to provide psychological first aid to survivors of disasters and trauma. Headspace teaches you how to practice mindfulness meditation, which can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance well-being. The Trauma Recovery Network connects you with trained trauma therapists who offer pro bono services to survivors of traumatic events.

5 CISM Organizations and Networks

Gaining knowledge and advantages from CISM can be accomplished by joining CISM organizations and networks, such as the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), the National Association of Crisis Organization Directors (NACOD), the National Center for PTSD, and the Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA). These organizations and networks offer training, education, advocacy, resources, and peer support, as well as promote excellence in crisis intervention, disaster behavioral health services, best practices, standards, collaboration in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, research, education, and training on PTSD and trauma-related issues.

6 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?