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The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Program, which operates
under the auspices of the Division of Programs and Community Services,
was formed to provide assistance and support to New Jersey Department
of Corrections employees and their families during critical incidents.
The program seeks to stabilize negative impact as a result of a
tragic event.
Goals of the CISM Program
· Lessen the impact on employees exposed to critical incidents
· Accelerate recovery and lessen the effects of harmful stress
· Validate and normalize stress reactions
· Promote recall of the incident
· Encourage ventilation
· Explore the personal impact of the trauma
· Provide coping strategies
· Encourage follow-up and support among management and employees
· Provide an atmosphere of concern for affected employees
· Provide additional sources of assistance when needed
What Is a Critical Incident?
A critical incident is an event that causes unusually strong reactions
that have the potential to interfere with an employee's ability to
function at the time the event occurs or at a later time.
Examples of traumatic incidents include line-of-duty deaths, serious
injuries, personal assaults, and threats of violence. During the
course of their careers, NJDOC employees may experience such critical
events as:
· Line-of-duty or traumatic deaths
· Suicides
· Injuries or death of clients/patients/inmates/children
· Hostage or riot situations
· Fires/arson
· Staff assaults
· Accidents
· Threats or acts of violence in the workplace
It is normal for a person to experience symptoms of stress because
of an unexpected abnormal situation. However, what is traumatic
for one person may not be traumatic for another; individuals will
vary in their responses to a critical event.
Decisions involving the appropriateness of providing Critical Incident
Stress Management services must be made in accordance with established
department policies and procedures.
Possible Stress Reactions to a Critical Incident
Cognitive (Thoughts)
· Confusion
· Nightmares
· Limited Attention Span
· Difficulty Making Decisions
· Flashbacks
· Poor Concentration |
Physical (Body)
· Chills
· Nausea
· Fatigue
· Muscle Tremors
· Chest Pain
· Change in Heart Rate |
Emotional (feelings)
· Guilt
· Numbness
· Anger
· Grief/Despair
· Depression
· Helplessness |
Behavioral (Actions)
· Excessive Crying
· Change in Appetite
· Sleep Disturbances
· Alcohol/Drug Abuse
· Withdrawal from Others
· Excessive Time Off Work |
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
Once the CISM coordinator decides to hold a debriefing, the team
leader will be contacted to provide a team of trained debriefers
as soon as arrangements can be made. Typically, it is not held less
than 24 hours after the event.
What It Is
· A confidential group meeting offered to employees affected
by a traumatic incident.
· A discussion of the thoughts, reactions and feelings resulting
from the incident.
What It Is Not
· An operations critique or part of any investigation of
employees or the worksite.
· A form of psychotherapy or treatment.
What It Does
· Serves to mitigate or reduce the impact of the stress.
· Provides reassurance that what is being experienced is
normal.
· Serves to piece together what has happened.
· Provides education on how to cope with stress related to
trauma.
Peer Support Team Member
The dictionary defines peer as "one who has equal standing
with another." Support is defined as "to help keep from
failing during stress." It is important to note that CISM is
a peer support team not a counseling service.
Contact
For more information about the Critical Incident
Stress Management program, call:
E. James DuBois
Chairman, CISM Committee
at
609-984-5971
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