International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.
By: Jaime Serghini, M.S., PHR, CCISM
Two years ago, I started working as a Human Resources Advisor for three fire departments. I always heard about the tight-knit culture. I was also told to expect a chilly reception because firefighters typically do not have much use for HR. Let’s be honest, Human Resources comes with a stigma. The stigma being we hire and fire, implement and enforce rigid policies, and bristle at any sort of workplace jokes. It is widely known that in the firehouse pranks and humor are a bedrock of the culture.
Always ready for a challenge, I resolved to break the HR stigma. I immersed myself in their culture by doing ride-alongs, observing training events, reading countless firefighter autobiographies, learning their nomenclature, and asking questions. Within a few months, I earned their trust. Knowing I have a degree in psychology, some started seeking my advice. They even started pranking me and teasing me. That is when I knew I had arrived.
One year later, our area Chaplains group disbanded. I was asked what CISM resources would be available. I had no idea what CISM meant, so I turned to my reliable friend, Google. Lo and behold I discovered ICISF. I joined immediately and instantly started looking for classes. Without the Chaplains group, my department needed a resource. I obtained my CCISM, but now what?
I had the academia, the passion and desire, people skills, and others committed to the cause. The only issue: we were clueless on how to break ground. Telephone, tell a firefighter – word started traveling about our initiative. A chief connected me with a group that already broke ground. They were stuck on grant writing, legalities, and the administrative tasks of creating a non-profit organization. I had those resources covered. Agreeing with strength in numbers we joined forces and founded the FIRST In Resilience and Support Team.
Each first responder group is represented within the team. We have police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers providing CISM defusing and debriefings. Consistent with ICISF training, we found defusing reduces our need for debriefings. Being cognizant to the special emotional needs of first responders, we require all team members to be a first responder.
I serve as a board member and assist with outreach and promoting behavioral health awareness. My CISM training helps me identify any members exhibiting behavioral changes. We all know trauma does not end with the defusing and debriefing. I use my CISM training as a prevention and intervention instrument. If I see something, I say something. Surprisingly, people have opened up to me knowing I am not a first responder. I attribute my CISM training to enhancing my credibility, gaining trust, and showing that I genuinely care.
Shortly after obtaining my certification, I was speaking with a firefighter. He told me he needed to attend a CISM debriefing, but really did not feel compelled to attend. Thanks to my ICISF classes, I told him his attendance and contribution to the conversation could make a difference to someone else. He replied, “That’s true. I didn’t think of that.”, and he left for the debriefing.
I acknowledge this is not the traditional use of a CCISM. However, there is nothing traditional to repeated exposure to traumatic events. One never knows when a triggering event will occur. It can be more difficult to understand why the trigger occurred after a “typical” call. I take comfort knowing I have the CISM training to notice behaviors others may not. I use my training as a resource to identify someone who may be masking their desire for help and guide them to my team members. Early detection has proved to save lives. First responders risk their lives to save others. This is my way of giving back to them.
Copyright © 2025 International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc is a 501(c)3 Non Profit