Co-Chair Person:Robert T Scott, Ph.D., CTS
Department: Los Angeles Fire Department, Director, Employee Behavioral Health

Co-Chair Person: Mark Woolf
Department: Los Angeles Fire Department

Purpose:

To research, study, develop, promote and disseminate program information and learning materials for the mitigation and control of the harmful aspects of stress within the fire service. To attend the annual CSFA Conference and submit written committee reports to include oral reports when needed.

Goals of the CISM Committee ....."A strong & United Voice"

• Through the sharing and collection of data, research, and educational materials, provide a library and resource clearinghouse for the dissemination of information and programs that aid in reducing the negative impact of stress on emergency personnel.

• Develop and refine an updated comprehensive behavioral health model that not only provides for post-incident stress intervention but also focuses on the enhancement of psychological health, resiliency and wellness for our membership.

• Provide for and deploy (mutual-aid model) a rapid intervention crisis management team available to Fire Departments throughout the State. (This would take place in the event that a Department is overwhelmed by a significant critical incident and does not have sufficient mental health and uniformed peer resources to manage the response.)

History & Rational:

By its very nature, firefighting carries a high risk for occupational injury and stress. In an effort to mitigate and reduce the harmful aspects of stress, CISM programs were introduced in the late 80's and have now been used in emergency services organizations for more than a decade. Recently the scientific efficacy of these widely used ‘Mitchell Model' CISM programs has come under scientific scrutiny. This committee will focus on exploring the current controversy / debate and provide a balanced response to the emerging issues facing our statewide CISM teams and programs.

Committee Members

• Jerry Brakeman, Local 112, IAFF - EAP Director
  
• Howard Kaplan, Captain Los Angeles Fire Department