Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a structured process for managing the stress involved in a critical incident.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

CISM is a planned, organized approach to helping responders cope with the emotional and psychological impact of traumatic incidents. It isn’t just casual talk; it provides a defined sequence of actions designed to reduce distress and promote resilience. The process typically includes preparation before incidents (education and training), on-scene support, demobilization after large events, immediate post-incident defusing, formal debriefings for individuals or teams, and follow-up to assess ongoing needs and connect people with resources. Because it offers a systematic method with staged interventions rather than leaving people to cope on their own, it is correctly described as a structured process for managing stress in critical incidents.