Local first responders learn new survival skills 

In March, 30 first responders from many local departments participated in a Critical Stress Management (CISM) course. 

 

“This training will give us a chance to better help those in our department, communities, and the surrounding areas, that have been affected by stressful or traumatic events,” said Temple Fire & Rescue Public Information Officer Santos Soto. 

 

For the first time the training was hosted by Temple Fire and Rescue at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center and put on by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. 

 

According to CISM’s website the program is designed to help participants understand a wide variety of crisis intervention techniques, which include tools and skills needed to cope and recover from traumatic stress. 

 

With PTSD rates between 10 to 30 percent, and rising suicide rates among first responders, participants will be able to help their departments and communities focusing on Individual Crisis, and Group Crisis Inventions.  

 

In addition to the CISM course, Temple Fire & Rescue has partnered with a local Chaplain to offer guidance and assistance to their employees. The City also offers free enrollment into an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through the yearly benefits package.  

 

Among the participants for the CISM course were first responders from Temple, Belton, Moffat, Morgan’s Point, Salado, Ft. Hood, Harker Heights, and San Angelo.