About
WHO WE ARE
The PCCISM Team is a diverse group of firefighters, company officers, police officers, EMTs/paramedics, dispatchers, nurses, chaplains, and licensed mental health professionals who volunteer their time to care for their own. Our members complete nationally recognized training in crisis intervention and peer support and continually refresh their skills.
Guided by Experience
Because our peers have stood in your boots, they understand the culture, schedules, and realities of high‑risk work. Our clinicians are specifically selected for their knowledge of responder culture and evidence‑informed crisis care.
Our Mission
To reduce the emotional impact of traumatic events on first responders, prevent long‑term stress injuries, and support a healthy return to work and home through peer‑based crisis intervention, education, and connection to culturally competent care.
Our Vision
A responder community in Plymouth County where psychological safety is part of everyday operations, where leaders and peers recognize stress sooner, and where help is embraced as a sign of strength.
OUR APPROACH
The CISM System
We use the internationally taught Critical Incident Stress Management model—a flexible, tiered system that matches the right intervention to the right audience at the right time. Components include demobilizations, defusings, CISD debriefings, one‑on‑one peer support, crisis management briefings, family and community briefings, and follow‑up/referral.
What CISM Is—and Is Not
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Is: immediate, practical support; education about common reactions; normalization; connection; hope; and referral when needed.
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Is not: an investigation, operational critique, or psychotherapy. It never replaces professional treatment when that is indicated.
Evidence‑Informed
CISM reflects decades of field use across fire, law enforcement, EMS, military, and healthcare. Research and practice emphasize that support should be timely, simple, and connected to the environment in which responders work. PCCISM embraces ongoing learning, quality improvement, and collaboration with subject‑matter experts.
ACTIVATION & RESPONSE PROTOCOL
How to Request Support
- Call 508‑830‑6223 (or email for scheduled services).
- Provide a brief description of the incident, date/time, involved units, and any immediate concerns (injuries, fatalities, media attention, line‑of‑duty impacts, etc.).
- Identify a point of contact for scheduling and location logistics.
- We will assess needs, recommend interventions, and assemble an appropriate peer/clinician team.
After the Response
- We supply handouts and resource lists for participants and families.
- We provide follow‑up check‑ins and additional services if requested.
- We can assist leaders in communicating with staff and the community after high‑impact events.
ETHICS, PRIVACY & SAFETY
Confidentiality
CISM thrives on trust. Conversations in CISM settings are held in confidence within the limits of safety and applicable law. PCCISM trains members on best‑practice confidentiality, mandatory reporting boundaries, and cultural sensitivity.
Non‑Investigative
Sessions are never used to assign blame or critique operations.
Voluntary Participation
Attendance in CISM services is encouraged but voluntary for participants who were directly involved in the event (unless agency policy dictates otherwise). We coordinate with leadership to respect this principle.
Cultural Competence
We respect diversity of background, identity, and belief. Chaplains and clinicians are available upon request.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is CISM mandatory?
No. We work with leadership to encourage participation while honoring individual choice.
Will what I say be shared with my department?
No. We do not report individual statements or health information to supervisors. We may share general wellness recommendations or resource needs without identifying details.
What if I’m not ready for a group setting?
Ask for one‑on‑one peer support or a private check‑in with a clinician.
Can families attend?
Yes. We offer family education sessions and can provide resources directly to loved ones.
How soon should we schedule a response?
Defusings are most useful within the first 8–12 hours; debriefings typically occur 24–72 hours after the event, once crew rest and operational needs are addressed.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for most peer‑support services. For trainings or extended deployments, we’ll coordinate details with your agency.
Request Assistance Today!
We'd be happy to listen to your situation.
