Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a crucial part of Critical Incident Management in Australia. Even though not yet legislated, its application within the workplace is strongly advocated on the grounds of potential psychological impact of critical incidents.
The majority of those who have experienced critical incidents, i.e., violence, witnessing others’ deaths, or harassment, can be impacted greatly as individuals, which in turn tends to generate fear and uncertainty in the organization.
Witnessing that there is a demand for the early provision of CISD, it is currently being encouraged in most countries, including Australia, to assist victims in their recovery and to facilitate them not only to cope with but to strive after such events.
What is Critical Incident Stress Debriefing?
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a type of intervention that aims to help individuals with emotional or psychological disturbance following a critical incident in the hope that such intervention will help them recover.
Critical incident is a traumatic experience that creates intense levels of stress and can unfortunately occur in any setting, including the workplace. For instance, according to Safe Work Australia, the number of workers fatally injured increased from 195 in 2022 to 200 in 2023, illustrating the reality of such incidents.
Following a critical incident, an individual would typically experience different patterns of reaction. which may involve shock, insomnia, absenteeism from work, depression, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For workers, these impacts could actually influence productivity. This is when CISD is needed.
When Should CSID be Conducted?
A CISD should be done ideally within 72 hours of the event. Research in the National Library of Medicine shows that CISD can prevent effectively PTSD symptoms.
This allows individuals to deal with the event when their emotion and memories are still recent. This could help avoid the feelings becoming more rooted.
Early intervention is intended to minimize the intensity of immediate stress reactions and prevent acute stress from escalating into chronic issues. It also reassures them that they are reacting naturally to the incident.
While the 24-72 hour time period is ideal, the psychological readiness of participants is also a factor. Individuals who continue to be in extreme shock, out of control agitation, or otherwise unable to make significant contributions may need extra time and individual support before a group debriefing.
How Does CSID Work?
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) works through a structured, facilitated group meeting conducted shortly after a critical incident, usually under 72 hours after the event. Here’s a general overview of how is CSID steps:
1. Introduction
The facilitator explains the purpose and process of the debriefing to the participants. This is important to make them understand how they should participate.
2. Fact Phase
The facilitator invites participants to elaborate about what they see and experience during the incident. This moment only focuses on what they saw, heard, and did.
3. Thought Phase
The facilitator encourages participants to share their initial thoughts and cognitive reactions during the incident. This moment brings them from factual state of mind to emotional state of mind.
4. Reaction Phase
The facilitator asks participants to explore their emotional response to the event. Sharing feelings like fear, anger, sadness, or helplessness is encouraged in a safe and supportive environment.
5. Symptom Phase
The facilitator guides the group to discuss any physical, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral symptoms they have experienced since the incident. This is done to normalize stress response by showing that everyone else is going through similar symptoms.
6. Teaching Phase
The facilitators provide psycho-education, explaining common stress responses to traumatic events and offering coping strategies, stress management techniques, and self-care advice. This phase aims to normalize reactions and empower participants with tools for recovery.
7. Re-entry Phase
The session is brought to a close with a summary of key points, an opportunity for participants to ask questions or share final thoughts, and information about available resources for further support.
What Happen After CISD Session?
The participants will need to monitor their own stress level, emotional state, and physical or psychological symptoms they may experience. The psycho-education during CISD helps them understand what to look for.
The facilitators also encourage them to implement coping skills they have learnt during the session. This includes relaxation techniques, self-care, and maintaining healthy habits.
Those who require more support are urged to reach out to the resources provided, i.e., EAP or mental health experts.
Who Can Conduct Critical Incident Stress Debriefing?
The effectiveness of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is directly related to the skill of the facilitator.
It is imperative that CISD be facilitated by competent and qualified personnel who have had specific training in this specific intervention model, typically as part of a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team.
Don’t leave your team’s well-being to chance. For access to highly trained and experienced CISD facilitators, explore D’Accord OAS’s Critical Incident & Trauma Response services.
