Critical Incident Stress Management - CISM

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) for EMS

EMS professionals—including law enforcement, dispatch, ambulance, fire/rescue, and hospital staff—routinely encounter traumatic events as part of their work. A critical incident is any event that goes beyond ordinary human experiences, often triggering strong emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual stress reactions. While these reactions are a normal response to abnormal situations, they can sometimes require additional support to manage effectively.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) provides tools and support to help EMS personnel and teams process the impact of traumatic events. One key component of CISM is Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD).

What is Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)?

CISD is a structured, confidential group process led by behavioral health professionals and trained emergency service peers. It is designed to help those involved in a critical incident understand and process their thoughts, emotions, and reactions. CISD is:

Confidential: Participation is limited to those directly involved in the incident.
Timely: Typically conducted 24 to 72 hours after the incident, though it remains effective even if done later.
Supportive: Focused on helping participants process their experience rather than critiquing the event or response.

By providing a safe space for discussion, CISD can help normalize stress reactions, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote emotional recovery.

How CISD Helps

CISD offers several benefits for EMS personnel, including:

Reducing the impact of critical incident stress.
Encouraging connection and interaction with others who were involved.
Providing a nonjudgmental space to share experiences.
Normalizing stress responses through education.
Helping prevent delayed psychological challenges.
Strengthening coping skills for future incidents.

Beyond helping individuals, the use of CISD benefits ambulance services and EMS organizations as a whole. Creating a safe space for staff to process trauma fosters a supportive work environment where team members feel valued and cared for. This leads to a happier, healthier workforce, improved morale, and a stronger overall service. By addressing the mental health needs of personnel, organizations can ensure their teams are resilient, effective, and ready to continue delivering exceptional care.

CISM Teams in Minnesota

Minnesota has seven CISM teams located throughout the state to support EMS professionals. These teams are available to help individuals and organizations manage the stress and trauma associated with critical incidents. If you or your team is struggling after a traumatic event, reaching out to a CISM team can make a meaningful difference in recovery and well-being.

The map below provides detailed information about the locations and contact details for each of the seven CISM teams. Use this resource to connect with the team nearest you for support.

EMS personnel are dedicated to providing care during others’ most difficult moments. It’s equally important to care for yourselves and each other. CISM and CISD are here to ensure you can continue to serve Minnesotans while protecting your own health and resilience.