Program Description
A team of trained responders dedicated to providing support to individuals, families, and groups after a death or near-death incident.
The impacts of these types of incidents
should not be ignored, dismissed or minimized.
Compassionate Support, Empowering Recovery.
Short-term emotional support
Immediate care to help people deal with their feelings after
a death or near-death incident.
Referrals to other support services
Help connect people with longer-term mental health
professionals if needed.
Information and education
Provide useful information about how trauma affects
people and ways to cope.
Debriefing and defusing
Lead group talks (debriefing) or one-on-one support (defusing) to
help people share their feelings and start to heal.
Crisis response strategies
Offer immediate help and resources to support people during a crisis.
Stress management strategies
Teach easy methods like breathing exercises and self-care to
help manage stress.
The Team
Responders are required to complete the CISM training program and regularly participate in group training and learning sessions.
Once trained, they can offer safe, supportive, and trauma-informed care to people who have experienced a death or near-death situation, helping those who feel overwhelmed, vulnerable, or out of control to regain a sense of stability and support.
The CISM team provides services with respect,
dignity, and full confidentiality.
Collaboration
The CISM team recognizes the importance of community collaboration in preventing and responding to critical incidents.
We are dedicated to working alongside the RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services, Fire Departments, Island Health, and other local support organizations to ensure individuals who have experienced a death or near-death event have easy access to the resources and information they need.
Connect
For more information about this program,
or if you would like to become a volunteer CISM responder,
you may contact the Program Coordinator directly
Sincerest Thank You
In 2023, WCRS received the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT)
Vital Grants, which are designed to aid projects tackling
regional priorities and sustainability challenges within
the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region.
The grant provided by CBT has played a crucial role in the
establishment of the CISM Team. We deeply appreciate
this generous support and collaborative effort, which has
enabled us to introduce valuable new services and resources
to benefit West Coast communities.