International Critical Incident Stress Foundation

Home
United States
Ellicott City, MD
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation

The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. To learn more, visit our website at www.icisf.org.
(1)

ICISF provides support and information about disaster behavioral health to the emergency response professions, other organizations, and communities throughout the world. (ICISF) is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization and our mission is to be the leader in providing education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to emergency responders, and other professions, organizations and communities worldwide. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a method of helping first responders and others who have been involved in critical incidents that leave them emotionally and/or physically affected by those incidents. CISM is a process that enables peers to help their peers understand problems that might occur after a crises. This process also helps individuals prepare to continue to perform their services or in some cases return to a normal lifestyle. ICISF provides CISM education, training and resources for individuals interested in becoming part of a crisis management team, or for an organization/profession that is dedicated to helping individuals or groups recover from a crises.

02/27/2026

🧠 Ever wondered why grief feels so complex — and how you can work through it purposefully?

Crisis responders face repeated exposure to loss — whether it’s a loved one at home, a colleague at work, or a victim on the job. This “stacked-up” grief can build over time and, when unaddressed, affect your emotional resilience, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

Acknowledging grief isn’t a weakness — it’s a necessary step toward healing and continued service. Build your knowledge and skills to understand and address personal, professional, and line-of-duty loss:
• Foundations of Grief for First Responders — 3/17
• Advanced Practices for Healing First Responder Grief — 3/23–3/24

👉 📍 Register at https://icisf.org/virtual-training/

Whether you’re a responder, peer supporter, or leader, these courses help you recognize grief’s impact and learn practical approaches to care for yourself and your team.

02/26/2026

Policies matter, but culture determines what people actually do.🚔

Leadership sets the tone through daily decisions, expectations, and how stress reactions are addressed.

A supportive culture is built through clear communication, consistent practices, and leaders who recognize the operational impact of stress and fatigue.

Strengthen leadership approaches that support responder wellness in our upcoming virtual training: �
👉March 10-11: Strategic Response to Crisis�
👉March 17: Foundations of Grief for First Responders
👉April 13-15: Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention

Learn more + register: icisf.org/virtual-training/

02/25/2026

📣 Join the ICISF Today! 🌍

Unlock powerful benefits as an ICISF Individual Member — designed for first responders, mental health professionals, peer supporters, educators, and anyone involved in crisis intervention:

✨ Member Benefits Include:
✅ Discounts on apparel, merchandise & CISMbooks 🛍️
✅ Access to the LifeNet newsletter and digital resources 📖
✅ Standard Operating Procedures & guideline samples 👥
✅ Discounts to the Crisis Resource Library & PTSD911 education toolkit 🧠
✅ Member certificate + wallet card 🪪
… and more!

👉 Members also gain access to a global network of professionals dedicated to promoting resilience and effective crisis support.

📌 Annual membership is only $70 or two years for $100.
🔗 Sign up today: https://icisf.org/sections/membership/

02/25/2026

The goal is informed decisions, not assumptions.

This book breaks down what the evidence actually shows about CISM, CISD, and psychological crisis intervention in clear, practical language.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) & Psychological Crisis Intervention, get yours today: cismbookstore.com

02/23/2026

Every crisis is a human experience — and timely, evidence-informed psychological support can make a powerful difference.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an approach developed to reduce immediate distress, promote short-term coping, and help people connect with support after traumatic events — whether disaster, violence, loss, or other sudden stressors. It’s not therapy, but it is immediate, compassionate care focused on safety, calm, connectedness, self-efficacy & hope.

Strengthen your ability to support those impacted by trauma:
🚓 Law Enforcement Perspectives for CISM Enhancement: 📅 March 12–13
🤝 Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention: 📅 March 18–20
🙏 Pastoral Crisis Intervention: 📅 March 19–20

Whether you serve in public safety, ministry, mental health, education, or peer support, these courses equip you with practical, field-ready skills to provide compassionate, structured early intervention when it matters most.

🔗 Register today: https://icisf.org/virtual-training/

02/22/2026

🇮🇹✈️ Seats Are Still Available – European CISM Conference | Rome 2026

Join ICISF in collaboration with Mayday Italy for the European CISM Conference:

📅 March 20–21, 2026
📍 Casa dell'Aviatore – Rome, Italy

This conference brings together crisis response professionals from across Europe and beyond to strengthen skills, share best practices, and address the evolving challenges of Critical Incident Stress Management.

You’ll gain:
✔️ Practical tools you can immediately apply in the field
✔️ Deeper insight into emergency & trauma response
✔️ Strategies to support well-being in aviation and high-risk professions
✔️ Real-world guidance for navigating complex peer support situations
✔️ Meaningful networking with leaders and peers in CISM

In-person and online options available (virtual option subject to minimum enrollment).

Invest in your growth. Strengthen your team. Expand your impact.

Register today! 👉 https://ecism.net/

02/22/2026

🌟 Meet Our Amazing ICISF Speakers Bureau Faculty! 🌟

The ICISF Speakers Bureau brings expert-led, customizable training directly to your team — from impactful keynotes to full courses designed for your organization’s needs. Our faculty are seasoned professionals with real-world experience in crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health.

Today, we’re spotlighting Peter Volkmann, MSW — a treasured member of our faculty whose career bridges social work, crisis response, and public safety. Peter brings decades of frontline experience and evidence-informed insight to every learning environment, helping responders and support professionals navigate trauma, resilience, and healing.

✨ Featured Specialty Course: Human Spirit and Faith Tactics in CISM ✨
This transformative course explores how spiritual strength, faith concepts, and human spirit dynamics can support individuals navigating their most unimaginable crises — their “Land of Never.” Participants walk away with practical “back pocket skills” to integrate hope, faith, forgiveness, and resilience into CISM responses.

🗣 Whether you’re looking for engaging specialty training or an inspiring keynote, ICISF’s Speakers Bureau is your gateway to expert instruction that aligns with your mission.

👉 Learn more and book a session! Email Milliem@icisf.org today.

02/21/2026

Is your child learning how to handle stress, or just expected to?

School, competition, social pressure, and fitting in can feel overwhelming for kids.

Skills like managing frustration, handling setbacks, and recovering after mistakes help children stay confident and engaged.

The goal is not removing challenges.
It is helping children face them without shutting down.

The book, Resilient Child by Dr. Everly, offers practical guidance for teaching coping, confidence, and steady problem solving during difficult moments. Get yours today, cismbookstore.com

02/20/2026

On scene, confusion spreads quickly.
Structure slows it down.

Frontline crisis intervention uses simple introductions, clear roles, and brief instructions to organize individuals and groups in real time.�

The goal is stabilization so people can listen, decide, and move safely forward.

Build hands-on skills you can use immediately:

👉March 12-13: Law Enforcement Perspectives for CISM Enhancement
👉April 13-15: Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention

Learn more + register: icisf.org/virtual-training/

02/19/2026

Having trouble powering down after a difficult shift? 🚔

After repeated exposure to tough scenes, the mind can stay alert and replay details.

Coming back to baseline is a skill.
Without it, the job can start to affect your sleep, patience, and focus.

Adaptive coping includes deliberate decompression, peer support, and routines that signal the day is actually over.

Learn the skills that may help you stay steady on duty and present off duty:
�👉March 12-13: Law Enforcement Perspectives for CISM Enhancement
👉March 17: Foundations of Grief for First Responders
👉March 19-20: Pastoral Crisis Intervention
👉March 23-24: Advanced Practices for Healing First Responder Grief

Learn more + register: icisf.org/virtual-training/

02/17/2026

Every profession has its own language.��

In crisis work, words guide decisions.�

Terms like crisis, defusing, debriefing, resilience, and support are often used, but not always used the same way.��

Shared vocabulary helps teams coordinate, teach, document, and provide care consistently across agencies and disciplines.

Learn the concepts that shape crisis intervention practice with The Glossary of Terms in Crisis Intervention and Disaster Mental Health – visit cismbookstore.com 📘

02/16/2026

February’s reminds us that the strongest responders are the ones who check in early — with themselves and each other.

Long shifts, repeated exposure to trauma, and the pressure to stay mission-ready can quietly take a toll. That’s why ICISF emphasizes proactive self-checks and peer support as essential components of operational readiness — not signs of weakness.

🔹 ICISF training equips responders and leaders with tools to:
- Identify cumulative stress and trauma exposure
- Support peers through structured crisis intervention
- Normalize help-seeking and strengthen team culture
- Protect long-term psychological health

🎓 Whether you’re attending an upcoming course, supporting a peer team, or revisiting foundational skills, ICISF education is designed to support before, during, and after the call.

📖 Enhance your training with trusted manuals, field guides, and responder-specific resources at www.icisf.org.

This month — and every month — make the self-check part of the job.

Address

3290 Pine Orchard Lane, Ste 106
Ellicott City, MD
21042

Website

http://www.icisf.org/, https://mailchi.mp/icisf.org/email-sign-up

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when International Critical Incident Stress Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to International Critical Incident Stress Foundation:

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Ellicott City?

Our Story

The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. (ICISF) is a not for profit, 501(c)3 organization and our mission is to provide leadership, education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to the emergency response professions, other organizations, and communities worldwide.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a method of helping first responders and others who have been involved in critical incidents that leave them emotionally and/or physically affected by those incidents. CISM is a process that enables peers to help their peers understand problems that might occur after an event. This process also helps people prepare to continue to perform their services or in some cases return to a normal lifestyle.

ICISF provides training for individuals interested in becoming a part of a crisis management team, or for an organization that is dedicated to helping individuals or groups recover from incidents. To learn more, visit our website at www.icisf.org.