The death of an employee, a suicide in the workplace, an armed robbery, a violent event at the work-site; these are all examples of what can be called a "critical incident." These types of situations can have a profoundly negative effect on a work unit and the individual employees involved. These "negative effects" include such things as an increase in anxiety, physiological reactions such as shaking, crying, headaches, a change in sleeping and eating patterns, as well as other depressive symptoms. Other reactions visible in the workplace are lowered motivation and an inability to concentrate. That is why, more than ever, employers understand the benefit of holding a group Critical Incident Stress Debriefing in the workplace for the employees involved.

A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing or CISD is an educational and supportive group session where the incident and negative reactions are discussed. These negative symptoms are normalized for the individuals, and coping skills on critical incident stress management and grief and loss are reviewed. Research indicates that when individuals are given the opportunity to participate in a CISD soon after a traumatic event, they are much less likely to develop any long-standing "post traumatic stress" problems. These individuals simply are better able to work through the negative feelings, thoughts, and reactions much sooner than they would have otherwise.

Read more about CISD's in the Workplace, including information on the signs of Post Traumatic Stress, the phases of a debriefing, and a listing of additional readings.

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