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Section 407.01
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
I. Scope:
This standard shall apply when there is an incident that may cause emotional distress or upset to department members. It was created to ensure those department members receive appropriate help when exposed to response related stress.
II. General:
A. The department is called upon to respond to all types of emergencies. In all cases members are exposed to various levels of stress, some traumatic and some due to fatigue. It is understood that all members do not react in the same manner so there must be a procedure in place to provide assistance to members.
B. Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (CISD) will be considered on a call by call basis and may only involve field defusing or an after-call debrief at the fire hall.
C. A CISD should only be conducted under the auspices of a mental health professional or person trained in CISD procedures.
III. Procedures:
A. If there has been a fatality on any fire call the Fire Chief, or his designate may initiate:
1. A field defusing; followed by
2. A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.
B. If there has been a serious injury to a victim or department member, the Fire Chief or his designate may initiate:
1. A field defusing; or
2. A field defusing or CISD.
C. An after-call debrief should be conducted after every call. If it is determined that further help is needed for any member, the senior member present must:
1. Make note of those present;
2. Keep call sheet and make further notes about call as necessary;
3. Inform the Fire Chief or Deputy Chief as soon as possible;
4. The Fire Chief or Deputy Chief will call a meeting of those members involved and determine which steps should be taken; and
5. If further help is needed the Fire Chief or Deputy Chief will initiate a CISD.
IV. Confidentiality:
All defusings, debriefings and meetings will be conducted with the utmost privacy and confidentiality.
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