When a Critical Incident occurs, here is how you contact us, and prepare for an intervention.
Additional Information
1. A “Defusing”may be requested for onscene 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.
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.
