Preparing for the Intervention

 Initiating a “Call-out” for the CISM Team:

1. When a “call-out” for service is needed, be sure to follow any specific departmental procedures in doing so. This may be for a “Defusing”, “Debriefing”, or “One-on-One” request.

2. The individual who makes the request should call Hamilton County Communications at (513) 825-2260 to request activation of the Team.

3. Please, be prepared to provide:

a. Your name

b. Department requesting callout

c. Call-back phone number

d. Purpose of the callout with a brief description of the incident (when you are contacted by the Team you will be able to give more specific information about the critical incident)

e. Please specify that you are requesting the Southwest Ohio Critical Incident Stress Management Team (SWOCISM)

4. Hamilton County Communications will then activate the need for a callback from a Coordinator of the Southwest Ohio CISM to get your request.

5. The CISM Coordinator will contact you at the phone number you provided.

6. When you are contacted, you will be asked to provide the details of the incident so that the Coordinator can determine the best way to help you. Such as time, location and nature of the response. They will also need the name of the person who authorized the need for service.

Preparing for the Intervention:

1. You will be asked to provide a location that will be quiet, comfortable, and space-suitable for the expected group size and free from interruptions. The seating should be arranged in a circle. The personnel are expected to and will benefit greatly from being free from any duties during any defusing, debriefing, or one-on-one session. All information discussed during an intervention is strictly confidential and will not be discussed with anyone outside the intervention.

2. Team members will arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled intervention. Upon arrival, a team member(s) will meet and discuss any relevant information that the team may need with the person or their designee who requested the service. They will also take time together to discuss specific assignments prior to working with the group.

3. If possible, please take crew members who will participate that are still on duty “out of service” for the duration of the intervention.

4. It is recommended to provide simple refreshments (e.g., coffee, cookies, pop, and water) for the group participating who will be participating.

5. A follow-up call will be made several days later to check on your team.

6. If need be, one-on-one sessions can be requested as well.

Additional Information

1. A “Defusing” may be requested for on-scene support during a critical incident. This is for an immediate need to assist personnel get through the run or shift. In such a case, the venue for the intervention will likely be near to the responders, but apart from the actual scene. The time frame can be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

2. A “Debriefing” occurs 3 -5 days after an event. This is meant to assist individuals with time to process an event, allowing them to return to some sort of normalcy immediately following an event. This process may take up to two and a half hours. However, please note that there is no time limit for any of these interventions.

3. “One-on- One” sessions are available for individuals who request this service. This is usually requested after a Debriefing has taken place but is not limited to such time.

4. Please understand that the intervention is for only those responders who were involved with the incident! A separate session can be arranged for others who were not directly involved in the incident. There will be ample time to show support in the coming days and weeks.

5. It is the policy and practice of the Southwest Ohio Critical Incident Stress Management Team to honor the confidentiality of what is spoken during a SWOCISM intervention. In the state of Ohio, the team is protected by testimonial immunity regarding maintaining confidentiality.