Oakland Fire CISM Team:
About Us

"Behind our uniforms, we are all just human beings." Positive response to critical incidents The OF CISM Team is a powerful resource that has been under-utilized in the past. Our goal is to strengthen and fortify the Team to provide much needed support to all employees of Oakland Fire. Given the many difficult calls and responses, we have found that the best support can come from a trained peer who understands your job. The definition of a critical incident is any incident that causes unusually strong reactions in the responding personnel, either immediately or after. The OF CISM team has already begun to do this important work in responding with Critical Incident Defusings, Debriefings and Follow-up check-ins, as well as community interventions after fire fatalities or major incidents. Their efforts have been well received and appreciated. The Oakland Fire CISM Team has heart, spirit and motivation. It is a privilege to be associated with such a fine group of responders, who, after a busy shift, are willing to support their co-workers. The CISM Team, along with OF Random Acts of Kindness, has conducted a Candlelighting memorial ceremony, honoring emergency services responders and citizens who have been touched by a loss. The "Light of Lights" service was very moving for everyone present. Music by the Castlemont Castelleers and Lt. Larry Sampson as well as the community candlelighting, where a seasoned veteran of the Oakland Fire Department lit the candle for fallen firefighters, were just a few of the highlights. One grieving family member, whose son died suddenly, stated, "This is the first place I've felt comfortable. I donąt have to apologize for grieving. Thanks for inviting me." All interventions done by the CISM team are confidential. There are no notes or paperwork, no rank and no critique of incidents, performance or personnel. It is an opportunity for crews and communications personnel, who have been involved with a rough call to come together, put the puzzle pieces of the incident in place and understand that their stress reactions, while they may be very different, are normal. As one firefighter put it, "We donąt take time out of our busy schedules to deal with the backpack of incidents. The CISD gave me a place and time to offload with my co-workers. I donąt take as much home as I used to. I can still be strong, and still ask for help." Anyone can mobilize a debriefing or defusing, or simply get some one on one support. There are a list of CISM Team members, along with the coordinators for the A, B and C Shift. Simply call Fire alarm or the shift coordinators, or any team member you feel comfortable contacting. We need interested individuals who are willing to support this program, Please contact any of the shift coordinators, myself, Chief Peyton or Chief Carter and we will advise you of upcoming training. Again, it is an honor to be a part of such a creative and dedicated effort. As a department, you have survived a great deal. It is time to acknowledge all that you do every shift every 24 hour day. We heard from a citizen in Oakland, "The firefighters saved my house, and my life, as well as the lives of my children. Words canąt express how grateful I am." What a difference your presence makes on the front lines everyday. Sometimes the 'thank you' doesnąt get back to you. So please hear it from us. Warmly, Janet Childs, Consultant to Oakland Fire CISM Team