Professionals who support people after traumatic events, such as emergency responders, educators, and healthcare workers, will benefit from these skills.
The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Program provides the tools and techniques to support individuals and groups following high-stress, traumatic events. Offered in partnership with Critical Incident Stress Management for Communities, this practical, evidence-based training is ideal for those working in high-pressure fields where critical incidents are common.
Whether you're responding one-on-one or supporting groups, you’ll learn how to recognize stress reactions, reduce psychological harm, and foster recovery. Courses are available in-person at Keyano College, with online options through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) and optional in-person practice sessions.
What You’ll Learn
Depending on the course selected, learners will gain skills in:
- Emotional “first aid” and immediate crisis stabilization
- The SAFER-Revised Model for individual crisis intervention
- Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) facilitation for groups
- Assessing incident severity and organizing strategic interventions
- Suicide prevention using the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) method
- Enhancing resilience and recovery among impacted individuals and teams
Career Opportunities
These courses are ideal for professionals who respond to trauma and high-stress incidents in roles such as:
- Emergency services (police, EMS, fire)
- Healthcare and mental health
- Education and school support services
- Social work and community services
- Indigenous community leaders
- Faith-based and spiritual care roles
- Military, industry, and disaster response teams
Certification enhances your ability to lead crisis interventions, improve team wellness, and reduce the psychological impact of trauma in the workplace.
Program Options
Individual Crisis Intervention
(CECISM 100)
Learn how to provide one-on-one emotional support following a critical incident.
Best For: Emergency responders, healthcare workers, social services, educators, managers, and spiritual care professionals.
Topics Include:
- Crisis communication
- Emotional and behavioural reactions
- Suicide intervention
- Practical SAFER-Revised Model application
Group Crisis Intervention
(CECISM 200)
Develop tools to support groups experiencing shared trauma using structured group debriefing models.
Best For: Team leaders, HR professionals, emergency managers, and mental health providers.
Topics Include:
- Group-based stress debriefing
- Facilitating defusings and demobilizations
- Resilience and recovery in collective trauma
- Referral and support systems
Combined Individual & Group Crisis Intervention
(CECISM 300)
Duration: 18 hours (3 days)
Get comprehensive training in both individual and group intervention strategies. Ideal for those who want full-spectrum CISM knowledge.
Suicide Intervention and Prevention
QPR Training
Understand how to recognize signs of suicide risk and confidently intervene using the proven QPR method.
Topics Include:
- Suicide myths and risk factors
- Asking difficult questions with care
- Persuading and referring individuals for help
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take CISM training?
Do I need prior mental health training?
No. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is designed for emotionally healthy individuals and does not require a clinical background.
Yes. Theory can be completed online through International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). However, optional in-person practice is strongly recommended for applied learning.
Yes. Courses follow International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) standards and are facilitated by certified instructors. Participants receive a certificate of completion.
Registration
Contact Keyano College Continuing Education:
Call: 780-799-0535
Email: continuing@keyano.ca