ResponseLinc is the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) service offered by CuraLinc to client employees following a disaster or trauma. It is intended to weaken the acute symptoms of the trauma and to forestall the development of full-blown PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). This service is offered to SupportLinc EAP clients.

ResponseLinc’s nationwide team of Critical Incident (CI) response professionals provides an onsite response to critical incidents – sometimes within hours of the event. That said, ResponseLinc’s experience shows that the most effective CI responses occur two or three days after the event. At that time, the client employees are more likely to address their emotions or thoughts about the incident. ResponseLinc uses the Mitchell model for all Critical Incident responses.

Defusing (Level II) is the term given to the process of “talking it out” - taking the fuse out of an emotional bomb (explosive situation). It involves allowing affected employees the opportunity to ventilate about their disaster-related memories, stresses, losses, and methods of coping; and be able to do so in a safe and supportive atmosphere. The defusing process usually involves informal and impromptu sessions. Defusing responses are typically administered in less than a day. Some EAP providers refer to this as a “grief group”. The majority of onsite critical incident services in the ResponseLinc program fall in this category.

Debriefing (Level III) is often a good first step for helping people process their direct involvement with traumatic events. The debriefing is a formal meeting, done individually or in small groups. It is generally held shortly after the incident, strictly for the purpose of dealing with the emotional residuals of the event. Any location that is large enough to accommodate the group, and which can be secured so as to assure privacy, is appropriate for use. This session, or sessions, may require blocks of time that are several hours in length. Whenever possible, everyone involved in the crisis should attend the debriefing session(s). Debriefing responses are typically administered over more than one day.

For more information on CuraLinc’s ResponseLinc program, please contact us at info@curalinc.com.