EW Initiated Courses

• Instructor Enrichment Classes
• 2nd Annual EMS Appreciation Day
• Research
• CISM Training

Critical Incident Stress Management: Group Crisis Intervention

 (21-22 MAY, 2008) Erie Convention Center, Erie, PA

This 8-hour program is provided through the PA Department of Welfare's Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, PA Department of Health, PA Emergency Health Services Council, Northwestern PA Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force and the Office of Education and Regional Programming Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and the Erie County CISM.

The objective of this training initiative is to building membership capacity in existing CISM teams in this counter terrorism task force and to provide a complete understanding of the fundamental elements of CISM response for the Incident Management Personnel and Task Force Leadership Personnel.

Financial support for this training is provided by the PA Department of Health. 

Faculty: Robert S. Fonte, RN, MEd, Lead Instructor, Program Director, Crisis Training Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, ICISF Trainer

Brenda Pittman, Assistant Instructor, EMS and CISM Coordinator, Lancaster County (PA)

Please see below for course information and Task Force registration details below:

DESCRIPTION:  The 4th edition of the Group Crisis Intervention program is designed to present the core elements of a comprehensive, systematic and multi-component crisis intervention curriculum. 

The course prepares participants to understand a wide range of crisis intervention services including pre-and post-incident crisis education, significant other support services, on-scene support services, crisis intervention for individuals, demobilizations after large-scale traumatic incidents, small group defusings, and the group intervention known as Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). 

The Basic CISM course is a peer-to-peer training and specifically prepares participants to provide several of these group crisis interventions, specifically demobilizations, defusings and the CISD.  The need for appropriate follow up services and referrals when necessary is also described.

OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of the program, participants should be able to:

·   Define stress, CIS, and PTSD;

·   List the common causes of Critical Incident Stress;

·   List the effects of Critical Incident Stress;

·   Identify the most common critical incidents;

·   List the 10 basic interventions of CISM;

·   Define and describe in detail the CISM group processes of demobilization, defusing, and debriefing

TARGET AUDIENCE:  The audience for this class includes emergency services, military, and business/industrial peer support personnel without formal training in mental health, as well as mental health professionals who desire to increase their knowledge of individual (one-on-one) crisis intervention techniques.

CEU APPROVAL: 

General CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are awarded in the amount of 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s).  One CEU is equal to 10 contact hours.  EMS Credits: This course has been approved for 12.0 EMS credit hours.

LOCATION:  Erie Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507 (Erie County)

ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:  There is no cost for attendance at this course.  Transportation, lodging, etc., are the responsibility of the attendee.  Participation by all individuals is encouraged.  Advanced notification of any special needs will help us provide better service.  Please notify us of your needs at least two (2) weeks in advance.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:  None. 

DIRECTIONS:

TO ERIE BAYFRONT CONVENTION CENTER

STREET ADDRESS:

1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507

PHONE: 814-455-1260

FROM BUFFALO:

 
1. Take I-90 West toward Erie, PA
2. Take the PA-430 exit 32 to Wesleyville/Bayfront Connector
3. Turn right at Bayfront Conn
4. Continue on Eastside Access Hwy
5. Continue on E Bayfront Pkwy
6. Turn left at E Bayfront Pkwy
7. Turn right at Sassafras Pier St

FROM CLEVELAND:

• Take I-90 East toward Erie, PA
  2. Merge onto I-79 N via exit 22B to Erie
  3. Continue on Bayfront Pkwy
  4. Turn left at Sassafras Pier St

FROM PITTSBURGH:
1. Take I-79 North toward Erie, PA
2. Continue on Bayfront Pkwy
3. Turn left at Sassafras Pier St

For additional directions, please visit www.mapquest.com and enter your beginning and ending addresses.

REGISTRATION: Registration Form

No-Shows

Space in most of our classes is limited which requires waiting lists of applicants to be formed.  For this reason, the task force has a strict "no-show" policy. 

Students who have been accepted for a class and then fail to attend without notification to the Task Force or City Course Manager will be considered last for acceptance into future classes for a period of six months. 

A second infraction will bar the person from all classes for six months.  Please notify this office within 48 hours of the class for cancellation.

Contact: Kyessa L. Brian, WPIC/OERP
Email: briankl@upmc.edu
Phone: 412-802-6905