The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) certified 25 Essex County Sheriff's Department (ECSD) staff members in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). The individuals completed the ICISF’s three-day Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention course. These staff members volunteered to join the ECSD’s Peer Support Team earlier this year and the completion of this training enables them to respond and participate in demobilizations, defusings, and the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) after critical incidents.
As a result, the Peer Support team has grown to 36 members. In addition to supporting the members of the ECSD, they also stand ready to support other Sheriff Offices, the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) and community as needed. The expansion of the team is part of Sheriff Kevin Coppinger’s vision to expand the wellness and mental health support provided to his staff.
In October 2023, the ECSD hired it’s first Wellness Coordinator to oversee all things related to wellness. The Peer Support / CISM Team is a component of the wellness mission. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a method of helping first responders and others who have been involved in critical incidents that leave them emotionally and/or physically affected by those incidents. CISM is a process that enables peers to help their peers understand problems that might occur after an event. This process also helps people prepare to continue to perform their services or in some cases return to a normal lifestyle.
Comments