The CIRT allows for the confidential and voluntary discussion of experiences, thoughts, feelings and responses to a critical incident. It is a confidential and structured opportunity to share and learn from your experience and the experience of your coworkers. It is also an opportunity to learn about and prepare for the very normal human reactions you might experience following a frightening or tragic situation.

Initial Assessment: The on-call team member is available to discuss with the caller the nature of the event and the appropriate intervention. Often, this call may serve as an opportunity for immediate guidance or “de-escalation.”

Defusing: Brief session offered immediately following an event (or before the end of the shift). The process is generally the same as the debriefing but will often involve only those individuals or teams most directly involved in an incident. The use of a “defusing session” will often reduce the need for debriefing later.

Debriefing: The confidential and voluntary group discussion of the experience, thoughts, feelings and responses following a critical event. An opportunity to express one’s feelings and reactions while providing education about the effects of stress and effective coping strategies. Generally 24 to 72 hours following the event.