Have you ever experienced an event that caused a strong emotional or physical response afterwards? That disturbed your sleep, made you lose your appetite or change your regular activities? More than 150 members in the Canadian Ski Patrol are available across Canada to assist you with such reactions in case of a critical incident. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) can assist patrollers and others who have been involved in critical incidents.
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. It is a process that enables peers to help their peers understand reactions 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.
- Ski patrollers
- Firefighters
- Police officers
- Paramedics
- Canadian Forces members
- Other first responders
- General population dealing with a critical incident, mass casualties
Depending on the type of emergencies:
- 911 for any physical emergencies
- 811 for any psychological assistance
- Suicide prevention line
- Anti-poison Center
The Group Crisis Intervention outline the most appropriate intervention according to the type of group you are facing (either homogenous or heterogeneous groups) and also the timeline after the critical event. It can be pursued by an individual follow-up intervention or may start with a one-on-one discussion, again, depending on the situation. These two courses best equip peer patrollers to identify the most appropriate tools, strategies, and resources to deal with each unique situation.
Both of these courses are developed and overseen by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (icisf.org). The CSP has two approved instructors who are able to teach both of the courses above in both English and French, as well as other courses. Please contact Brian or Helene about upcoming training dates.
For further information please contact your Division CISM Coordinator:
Ontario: Brian Bennett, brian.bennett@skipatrol.ca, 416.894.6015
Québec: Hélène Fortier, helene.fortier@skipatrol.ca, 514.567.4831
Alberta: Sandra Williams, sandra.williams@skipatrol.ca, 403.875.6040