Illinois Critical incident stress management (CISM) Teams

Illinois is home to several independently managed Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams who are comprised of individuals trained through the International Crticial Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) crisis response curriculums. Each team operates independently yet are in communication with one another to assist with critical incident response support services. Locate your regional CISM team and contact information below and review the Q&A document linked to assist in outreach and navigation of requesting a response team to aid your members.

Types of Critical Incident responses

Cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral, and/or spiritual reactions can all be factors for individuals experiencing critical incident stress as a result of experiencing psychologically disturbing events. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is an overarching term used to describe the comprehensive, integrated, systematic, and multi-tactic crisis intervention approach to managing critical incident stress after traumatic events. Response during and after these experiences can be difficult to navigate, but knowing how to identify causes of stress, what it looks like, and how to respond, can help you better address the need when it comes. 

Understanding what your agency needs, what options are available, and how to set up services that will meet your members where they are at is important. When reaching out for support, consider these modalities of response and talk to the critical incident response team coordinator to find the best match for you. Modes of group interventions that CISM Teams are able to discuss include:

Rest, Information, and Transition Services (RITS): Formerly known as demobilization, this quick informational and rest session is offered when operational units have been released from service after a major or prolonged incident. This may also serve as a screening opportunity to assure that individuals who may need further assistance are identified.

Crisis Management Briefing (CMB): A structured large or small group meeting intended to provide information about an event. This provides an opportunity to identify and control rumors and educate about symptoms or distress and stress management techniques.

Defusing: A small group approach provided shortly after a traumatic event and/or before a group leaves the workplace. This offers opportunity to begin exploration of individual reactions to an event and is an opportunity to provide immediate information on healthy coping.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): A step by step group crisis intervention approach to assist a group after exposure to a significant traumatic event. This is not a stand-alone process and should be provided within a series of interventions. This is not psychotherapy nor is it a substitute for counseling services.

Above definitions are derived from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation

Illinois Critical Incident Stress Managment (CISM) Teams

Illinois has many Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Teams. The following is known contact information for each of the teams.  The International Critical incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) also has a directory of CISM teams that may include new or updated details as well.

Each critical incident response team may offer different types of services and/or serve different members members of the first responder community.  Ask questions and have a conversation with the team representative to ensure clear communication about the needs of your agency and how the team will provide support.

Northern Illinois CISM (NI-CISM): 800-225-2473, https://www.ni-cism.org/ 

  • Counties Covered: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, & Will
  • Provides individual interventions, Defusing, Debriefing, Crisis Management Briefing, Demobilization, & Workshop Trainings
  • Contact 800-225-2473 or admin@ni-cism.org
  • NI-CISM brochure

BlackHawk CISM: 815-748-8400

Quad Cities CISM: 563-271-8106

  • Counties Covered: Carroll, Henry, Jo Davies, Mercer, Rock Island, & Whiteside (as well as some counties in Iowa)
  • Provides individual interventions, Defusing, Debriefing, & Peer Support
  • Inquiry point of contact: James Temple at 563-271-8106 or jtemple210@yahoo.com

Heart of Illinois CISM: 309-369-2911

Central IL Overwatch CISM: 309-838-9297

  • Counties Covered: Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, Livingston, Mason, McLean, & Vermillion
  • Provides individual interventions, Defusing, Debriefing, & Peer Support
  • Inquiry point of contact: Tim Power at 309-838-9297 or tpower@cityblm.org

Sangamon Valley CISM: 217-788-8311, https://sangamonvalleycism.com/  

Decatur Area CISM: 217-875-8429

  • Counties Covered: Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence, Piatt, Richland, Macon,  Moultrie, & Shelby
  • Provides Defusings, Debriefings, & Peer Support
  • Inquiry contact 217-875-8429 or decaturcrisisteam@gmail.com

Southwestern Illinois CISM: 618-607-2476

  • Counties Covered: Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Fayette, Jersey, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Perry, Randolph, & St. Clair, Washington
  • Provides individual interventions, Crisis Management Briefings, Defusing, Debriefing, & Peer Support
  • Inquiry point of contact: Karyn Eiseman at 618-607-2476 or karyn.eisemann@bjc.org

Southern Illinois CISM: 618-937-3521

     

    If you are unable to get in contact with your local team or have any general questions or concerns, please contact Meg Krase mkrase@100clubil.org or 847-727-6503.

    Disclaimer: Resources and providers listed in the Frontline Resource network have been suggested by first responders and affiliates who have had successful experiences. The 100 Club of Illinois does due diligence to screen recommendations but inclusion of organizations, providers, and resources does not imply endorsement. Please take time to conduct your own review and search for the best fit resource for your needs. If you have any suggestions for resource additions or have feedback on listed resources, please let us know by sharing your feedback here.  

    Call Now Button