Emergency response service personnel and the critical incident stress debriefing debate

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated the potential for work-related stress associated with employment in the emergency service field. However, little research has considered effective interventions that may be used to mediate the effects of this work-related stress. Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is one intervention that is currently employed with emergency service workers. However, the efficacy of this intervention is currently the source of much debate. The present discussion reviews the available literature regarding the effectiveness of CISD for use with emergency service workers and concludes that at this time, for this population, the call for the removal of current programs using CISD is unwarranted.