Who is qualified to perform a critical incident stress debriefing (CISD)?

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a structured process designed to assist individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, helping them to process their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. The ideal individuals to conduct a CISD are those who have specialized training and a deep understanding of both the psychological impact of traumatic events and the dynamics of group discussion.

Mental health personnel, such as psychologists or licensed clinical social workers, possess the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding human behavior and emotions in the context of trauma. This is essential for effectively facilitating discussions and providing emotional support during the debriefing. Aerospace Medicine Specialists, with additional training, are also equipped to recognize the unique pressures faced by personnel in aviation and other military high-stress environments. They can bridge the gap between medical and psychological insights, making them well-suited for CISD in settings where aerospace context is critical.

The other categories mentioned do not have the specified qualifications or the necessary training in mental health support. This emphasizes the importance of having trained professionals lead CISD sessions to ensure safety, efficacy, and sensitivity to participants' needs.