April 2010 CISM Training

 

 

 
Articles


CISM Update: Missions in SE ASIA – Mira Ingemann

In July 2005, I had the privilege of facilitating CISM training in Malaysia and Singapore. After the Tsunami disaster and subsequent earthquake in Indonesia and surrounding countries, there were many requests for crisis intervention training. Global Mosaic International, Inc., a nonprofit organization arranged for a team of mental health professionals to provide CISM and stress training in these regions. Crisis intervention training was provided to church leaders in Malaysia with the anticipation that they would create their own CISM teams. The curriculum included a Stress Management module and a modified Pastoral Crisis Intervention and Individual, Peer Support Crisis Intervention course. As we embarked on this journey we were mindful of the significant diversity issues that we would encounter. As such, we adjusted the curriculum so that it would be culturally and religiously sensitive to the population we were serving.

CISM Teams in Bermuda
10 Steps to Establishing a CISM Programme

What is a Critical Incident?

Critical incidents are traumatic events that are outside the usual range of experiences and are so powerful and sudden that they can overwhelm a person's usually effective coping skills. Traumatic events have the potential to significantly disrupt one's life, resulting in a personality change or physical illness if it is not managed quickly or effectively.

Potentially traumatizing events can occur on an individual basis or community wide. Examples:

Death or injury Robbery
Loss of property  Homicides 
Personal danger Fires
Observing traumatic event Disasters
Serious injury or death of a child Hurricanes
Serious vehicle accidents Perception of serious threat to self or others
Sexual assaults/abuse 


Common Signs & Symptoms

Some reactions may last a few days, a few weeks or even months and occasionally longer depending on the severity of the traumatic event. With understanding and support, the stress reactions usually pass more quickly. These symptoms are NORMAL reactions to an abnormal event.

Physical

Chills             

Dizziness 
Chest pains  Heart palpitations
Nausea   Headaches   
Rapid heart rate
Teeth grinding
Fatigue Shock symptoms
Sweating     Insomnia
Cognitive

Confusion   

 Intrusive images
Flashbacks       Attention difficulties
Decision making difficulties Nightmares  
Emotional Reactions

Fear 

Denial     
Anxiety  Irritability      
Guilt   Depression    
Agitation Intense anger
Grief  Emotional shock
Panic

Behavioural

Withdrawal  

Inability to rest     
Change in social activity Hyper vigilance 
Mood swings      Loss/increase in appetite
Sleep disturbances Alcohol consumption
Avoidance of situations and activities
Tips to Reduce Traumatic Stress Effects

· Alternate physical exercise with deep relaxation.
· Talk about the experience.
· Eat regular meals and get plenty of rest.
· Minimize consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
· Continue normal activities as much as possible.
· Understand that bad memories will fade away rather than disappear.
· Keep a journal - write through your sleepless hours
· The event is so painful, professional assistance from a counsellor may be necessary.

 

Tips for Family Members and Friends

· Listen Carefully.
· Offer assistance and a listening ear.
· Reassure them that they are safe.
· Give them private time.
· Don't take their anger or other feelings personally.
· Help with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, and baby sitting.

 

Web design & Hosting by 1StopNetworks