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ITD unveils first-ever Critical Incident Stress
Management class for first responders

On Oct. 17, after several years of development and planning, the department launched its first-ever Critical Incident Stress Management class. The three-day course taught the 47 ITD members in attendance how to reach out and offer assistance to fellow employees traumatized by what they have seen and experienced as responders.

“The Peer Support Team is a group of ITD volunteers who have recognized the need to provide help to co-workers who have experienced a traumatic event,” explained ITD Safety Manager Randy Danner. “For many at ITD, especially those in maintenance, it is not a matter of if, but when they will see things that can’t be unseen — scenes that are shocking, upsetting and disturbing.”

“Not every scene will produce a strong stress response in everyone. Not everyone who experiences those kinds of events will need help to get past them. But there will be those incidents that will impact us physically, cognitively, emotionally, behaviorally or spiritually and overwhelm our best efforts to cope,” Danner added.

The course was taught by Boise Police Capt. Ron Winegar, a nationally recognized instructor for the International Critical Stress Foundation. Attendees included employees from all districts and divisions throughout ITD, as well as two people from Idaho State Communications.

Frequently, ITD workers are the first to arrive at the scene of a crash or other incident, and can be traumatized by what they see and experience. This first class taught a group of volunteers the basics of the roles of peer support, confidante and friend, and how to take those skills back to their districts and divisions to help others dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event.

“When we are affected, there are healthy and unhealthy ways of coping. That is where the Peer Support Team comes in. The Peer Support Team is not there to do psychotherapy or take the place of your mental health professional. They are not therapists, they are co-workers who have been there, who know what it is like and can provide some help in dealing in a healthy manner with those distressing events,” Jim Phillips said. Phillips was the co-creator of the ITD program along with Danner.

Phillips stressed that there is absolutely no mandate to attend or seek out help.

“It is strictly voluntary. An employee may choose not to participate and will not be penalized for opting out. The Peer Support team is there to help. They will operate in total confidentiality. It should just be considered another resource."

Creating the Peer Support Team is recognition that as a result of doing your job, you are placed in situations that have the potential to adversely affect you,” Phillips explained. “The department wants you to go home at the end of the day safe and whole. This program is another way the department is taking care of its employees.”

Danner said the feedback after the class was positive, and included statements like these:

Would you recommend this course to a colleague?
“Yes, it was the most instructive course I have ever taken at ITD.”
“Yes, definitely because it changed my life personally.”
“Yes, it gave me valuable information I know I will use throughout my life.”

What would you change regarding this course?
“Nothing, this has been one of the best training courses I’ve ever taken.”

Additional comments?
“Great job! One of the best classes I’ve ever attended.”

Below is a list ofPeer Support Team Members for those who want to reach out for assistance: