What's a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing? A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is used by State departments to help employees find coping skills in dealing with normal reactions to abnormal situations. It is a group discussion, not therapy, to talk about what happened, how it happened, employee's reactions to the news, what physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms are being experienced, and what coping skills can be used to help the employee with their reactions and the situation. It is most commonly used for groups. The State's EAP Provider, Managed Health Network (MHN), employs licensed clinicians who are specially trained in conducting CISDs. They utilize the Jeffrey Mitchell model, known for its effectiveness in dealing with critical incidents or situations. The model utilizes a seven-step process, which includes:
Introduction - Sets the ground rules for the session.
Fact phase - Discussion on how everyone learned of the event, what they saw and/or heard; describe sensory reactions.
Thought Phase - Employees' share what their thoughts and concerns were.
Reaction Phase - Discussion on what was the employees' first reactions, describe the mental picture of the scene, what was the worst, most uncomfortable part of the incident for the employee, and how this event changed their life?
Symptom Phase - Description of various symptoms that employees may experience, including physical, emotional and cognitive.
Teaching Phase - Things the employee can do to make the situation a bit less painful, i.e., exercise, talking, sticking to a routine, spending time with loved ones, avoiding things that have a negative effect on our bodies and emotions.
Re-Entry Phase - Summarize the event, emphasize the positive, learned aspects for employees to keep in mind, access to EAP counselors, re-emphasize confidentiality, encourage on-going mutual support. Employees with strong symptoms are encouraged to contact EAP.
Debriefing group size: Minimum is 5 with a maximum of 15.
Timing: Employers can mandate attendance. Departments should consider having a CISD scheduled very shortly after the event.
Cost: The rate for face-to-face, group CISD is $225.00 per hour. Time needed is based upon the size of the group and the severity of reactions. For estimation purposes, it is suggested allowing four hours - one hour each way for travel time and two hours per CISD.
Payment: In order to pay for these services, each department will need to have a contract (Std. 213) drawn up between their department and MHN. Some departments already have contracts in place. Detailed instructions, along with suggested draft language, can be provided upon request to DPA, Statewide EAP Coordinator, (916) 324-9353.
How to order a CISD: Requests for and approval of CISD are generally coordinated through each departmental EAP Coordinator. The Departmental EAP Coordinator will contact MHN directly at (866) EAP-4SOC (866-327-4762) to initiate services.
Questions: Contact your Departmental EAP Coordinator, MHN at (866) EAP-4SOC (866-327-4762), or Statewide EAP Coordinator, Department of Personnel Administration at (916) 324-9353.
