Tompkins County has introduced the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team to provide mental health support to first responders facing trauma from emergencies.
The team offers “psychological first aid” during large-scale incidents and attends debriefings to support responders after events like fires, crashes, and fatalities.
Made up of first responders and mental health clinicians, the CISM team emphasizes peer support rather than therapy or counseling.
Program officials say the initiative aims to assist any responders who seek help, offering a vital resource to those navigating high-stress crises.
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