In this 15th World Congress presentation, Michael Washington, Firefighter, Seattle Fire Department CISM discusses the struggles that a typical firefighter faces over the course of a career. This presentation centers around my struggles with stress, PTSI and suicide. The focus is on the triumphs and the post traumatic growth.

In this 15th World Congress breakout session, Alicea Reddy Subject Matter Expert/Diversion Outreach Coordinator, Retired Police Officer Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Alameda PD, San Francisco discusses: The opioid epidemic has become a top focus for community efforts.

In this 15th World Congress breakout session, David Edwards, President, Humanizing the Badge, Taylor, MI presents: Not only are suicide rates on the rise nationally, but suicides among law enforcement officers are increasing at a dramatic rate with some departments reaching a rate nearly 2.5 times the rate of the general population, according to Department of Justice statistics.

In this 15th World Congress breakout session, James Neeck, School Social Worker, Broward County Schools, Fort Lauderdale discusses: The response of a counselor (social worker), who has training and experience in CISD, to the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas School Shooting, in Parkland, Florida.

In this 15th World Congress breakout session, Rev. Stephen Robinson, DMin, BTh and Rev. Susan Phalen M.Sc., M.Div., CCISM discuss: Effective disaster recovery will be holistic; accounting for the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of a person and community’s well-being.

“Scenes of Compassion” is an internationally recognized course revealing how responders can dramatically impact the emotions of people at emergency scenes. ICISF 15th World Congress presentation by Timothy Dietz

Healthcare professions are inherently stressful and the toll on caregivers can be significant. Stressors range from daily patient care to critical events. Options for supporting staff are varied and should be tailored to meet the needs of the individuals and units. The culture of the organization significantly impacts the perceived concern for and support of staff.

Witnesses to violent events commonly suffer mental health injuries, particularly when they are unprepared for the violence and powerless to prevent it. The stigma against discussing mental health and the lack of awareness and support services impacts everyone who experiences these types of issues. Sadly, the incidences of mass violence appear to be the New Normal. Are we ready for the upcoming wave of post-event trauma from survivors of these events? 15th World Congress presentation by Manya Chylinski