KC Scout participates in Critical Incident Stress Management training

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Motorist Assist and Emergency Response operators attend numerous trainings year round to be sure they're educated and well prepared for the incidents they respond to on KC metro roadways. One training in particular may not be well known to the public, but it could very possibly be one of the most important ones for our responders: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). 


"Due to the nature of the job, responders oftentimes see or experience traumatic incidents. These incidents have the potential to affect them adversely," explained Incident Management Coordinator Marcus Slaughter. "I attended one of these training to learn more about CISM and how I could help others within my work group when faced with these types of events."

According to Missouri's Department of Public Safety, Governor Mike Parson signed into law Senate Bill 57 and House Bill 8 directing DPS to establish a CISM Program and provide services to first responders. This program would assist in coping with stress and potential psychological trauma resulting from responses to critical incidents or emotionally difficult events.

While Kansas does not have a law mandating this program, many organizations throughout the state utilize these trainings.

According to Slaughter, the program is comprised of multiple crisis response components that attempt to address each phase of a crisis situation by doing the following:

  • Lessen the impact of the critical incident
  • Normalize instinctive reactions to the incident
  • Encourage the natural recovery process
  • Restore the adaptive functioning skills of the person and/or group
  • Determine the need for further supportive services or therapy
According to KC Scout, additional safety trainings that focus on mental health and wellness are held quarterly. The most recent mental health training was held on June 30. The team hopes to host another sometime this fall.

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