Critical Incident Stress Support

Caring for the Caregiver

The Critical Incident Stress Support Team (CISS) service is for staff of PHS who respond to, or are involved in, a crisis. The CISS team may be requested by any PHS employee (CDS and Regionals) who determines that he/she or the team has just "experienced an abnormal" experience" that is creating high levels of stress and grief.

CISS is a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component approach for the reduction and control of the harmful aspects of stress. It is not therapy, and it is not fact finding. It is a process that facilitates the recovery of normal people experiencing normal reactions to abnormal events.

At its heart, CISS is an expression of "caring for the caregiver." It is built on crisis and educational intervention theories, and uses a confidential peer support setting to defuse the immediate stress, while also preventing long-lasting stress symptoms. Participants are able to debrief, as well receive practical tips on managing stress in positive ways.

About the CISS Team at Presbyterian

• The CISS Team's Vision, Mission, Response Options, and Scope
• Indicators: Crises where it would be appropriate to request CISS
• CISS Team Policy: Purpose, Definitions, Policy, Procedures, and Flow charts

How to Request Help from the CISS Team 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

• Please call the PH Operator at (505) 841-1234 and request to be connected to the on-call chaplain.

Be a CISS Team Member

If you are looking for an opportunity to be a caring presence, offer an listening and understanding "ear" and provide support to team members involved in a crisis, consider being a CISS Team Member. Applicants need to have completed Basic CISS in order to be considered.

Volunteers from across the healthcare spectrum are needed to serve as peers on the CISS teams.  Peers serve an invaluable role as they are understand and empathize with their colleagues. They bring a common perspective and background, and have had similar experiences.

• The Volunteer Information Sheet gives more information about CISS.
• Complete and submit the application form (.pdf) to Chaplaincy Services.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Chaplaincy Services at 505-841-1191.

CISS Team Resources

Managing the Stress of CMS