CISD

No one can predict when a critical incident will strike in the workplace or in our community. Having Critical Incident Stress Debriefing services at a time of trauma is a cost-effective means of supporting employees in regaining their ability to function normally. Family Service Windsor-Essex County offers Critical Incident Stress Debriefing services.

Services provided include:

Critical Incident Debriefing
Critical Incident Defusing
Individual Post Trauma Stress Counselling

What is a Critical Incident?

A critical incident is an abnormal event that triggers an unusually strong reaction and has potential to interfere with the coping skills of either an individual or a group.

What is Critical Incident Stress?

Critical incident stress is a normal reaction of normal people to this kind of abnormal event. While some employees may report no impact, others experience significantly increased occurrence of anxiety, depression, flashbacks, severe grief, substance abuse, guilt and sleep disturbances. These can lead to work-related difficulties as employees begin to struggle with lower energy levels, job avoidance, burn-out, anger states, or overall decline in job satisfaction and effectiveness.

What is Critical Incident Stress Debriefing?

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing is a professionally coordinated response effective in guiding employees through crisis situations. Provided by an individual or when needed, a team of CISD trained experts, these services offer employees the opportunity to talk about the trauma and their reaction in order to prevent or decrease difficult post-trauma reactions. At the same time, access to mental health information, additional resources and information for ongoing support is provided.

What are the Benefits?

By lessening the effects of post traumatic stress, CISD services support employees in returning to a normal level of functioning following an experience of trauma. CISD services can reduce the need for sick or stress leave, significantly lower the number of resignations following a critical incident, and lessen the likelihood of cumulative stress reactions on the part of the affected employees.

What are the costs?

For organizations who do not have an Employee Assistance Program, the rate for 1 hour of CISD is $150.00 which includes the actual debriefing, pre-debriefing telephone consultation, mental health materials and travel-related expenses.

To talk to someone regarding a Critical Incident in your workplace or in the community or for more information regarding CISD, please call the Executive Director at 519-256-1831 or email famserv@mnsi.net.