About
Why We Do What We Do
The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) defines a critical incident as “a traumatic event that can cause people to feel overwhelmed and have emotional reactions.” Studies have shown, that on average, a first responder will experience 178 critical incidents in their career. This is in contrast to 2-5 critical incidents for the general population. Exposure to a critical incident can affect the personal lives, job performance, and overall well-being of first responders, as well as the cumulative stress of multiple exposures.
The Greater Montgomery County Critical Incident Stress Management Team exists to foster resilience and provide confidential peer support to first responders in the wake of stressful events and critical incidents.
We do this by developing awareness and providing education, resources, peer support, and group crisis intervention.
Who We Are
The Greater Montgomery County Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support Team is guided by a mental health clinician and made up of first responders, both active and retired, from multiple agencies throughout the Miami Valley. The team is also bolstered by chaplains associated with the agencies of first responders.
All team members participating in group crisis intervention are certified through ICISF and recognized by the Ohio Critical Incident Stress Management Network granting privileged conversation per Ohio Revised Code 2317.02.
All members providing peer support are trained in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 2317.023 granting privileged conversation.
We have responded to multiple critical incidents in Montgomery, Miami, Preble, Greene, Clark, and Warren Counties and have supported hundreds of first responders.
We exist as a non-profit corporation in which funds are used primarily for required training for team members to stay current and effective.
No team members are compensated from funds of the non-profit.
Donate
If you wish to make a donation make checks out to: Greater Montgomery County Critical Incident Stress Management Donations can be sent to 245 James E. Bohanan Memorial Dr. Vandalia, Ohio 45377
Your donation helps our team provide essential peer to peer support and group crisis intervention to our first responders facing critical incidents. Help us make a difference in their lives by contributing to our mission. Every dollar helps! Thank you for your support.
Donate Online
Upcoming Training
Greater Montgomery CISM and Peer Support Team - Basic Group Crisis Intervention Class
This Class will be held at the Vandalia Division of Police, 245 James E. Bohanan Dr Vandalia, Ohio 45377 on September 15 & 16 from 8a-5p. Jerry Baker will be the instructor. The class will be $350 and will make attendees eligible to join our team. Contact Sgt. Garry Lawson glawson@vandaliaohio.org 937-415-2275 to register. Checks are made payable to "Greater Montgomery County CISM & Peer Support". Credit Card Payments can be accepted.
Upcoming Training
Greater Montgomery CISM and Peer Support Team - Advanced Group Crisis Intervention Class
This Class will be held at the Vandalia Division of Police, 245 James E. Bohanan Dr Vandalia, Ohio 45377 on September 17 & 18 from 8a-5p. Jerry Baker will be the instructor. The class will be $350 and will enhanced the skills of those already certified in group crisis intervention (The Basic Class is a Prerequisite). Contact Sgt. Garry Lawson glawson@vandaliaohio.org 937-415-2275 to register. Checks are made payable to "Greater Montgomery County CISM & Peer Support". Credit Card Payments can be accepted.
