Why Critical Incident Stress Management
(CISM) applies to us all

The 2019 Safety Stand Down is just around the corner, on Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. MST. As the event time approaches, one of the common questions from office dwellers like myself is how CISM relates to those of us who likely never will be the responder to a crash scene. Yes, the majority of ITD works in the Division of Highways, so response to the scene is a very real likelihood for them, but how does CISM apply to the 500 of us who are not Highways employees?

The answer is much like a family dynamic, where if something befalls any member of the family, it affects everyone in the family who cares about that individual. Similarly, even if you’ll likely never roll up on a crash scene as a first responder, you can play a significant role in identifying and helping a co-worker cope with the trauma they experience. A list of tips and tactics is listed at the end of this article. Here are some signs and symptoms listed last week in the Transporter.

Also keep in mind that trauma can happen in any environment, and takes many different forms. “First responder to a crash scene” is just one example, but by no means is that all that CISM addresses.

“It could come from home, a car accident, something we encounter on the road, or an employee getting killed or injured,” explained D4 District Engineer Jesse Barrus. “Yes, the risk is higher with those working on the road daily, but it could happen to any of us at any time.”

“Too many employees approach safety with the attitude that ‘It won’t happen to me’ or ‘it doesn’t apply to me’ — To that end, CISM is similar and is for everyone when the need arises,” Barrus added.

Published 12-13-19