As printed on the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. website, https://icisf.org/personal-reflections-on-serving-as-a-cism-team-member-2/
Read MoreDo you need CISM services right now? We’re here to help.
NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE?
You are not alone. Help is available right now.
đź“ž CISM Support Line: 717-708-2746
Your call is confidential, and a CISM team member will be notified immediately to support you.
đź“ž Lebanon County Crisis Intervention: 800-673-2496
Available for immediate crisis support and intervention services.
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FOR TEAM LEADERS & COMMAND STAFFI
If you need to schedule a CISM team response following a critical incident, please call:
đź“ž 717-708-2746
A representative will respond promptly to coordinate support for your team.
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ADDITIONAL SUPPORT & RESOURCES
Looking for tools, guidance, or ongoing support for your personnel?
👉 Visit the Resources section in the menu to explore available services.
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YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Experiencing a traumatic or critical incident can have lasting effects—but you don’t have to face it alone.You have a trusted network of trained peer supporters ready to help.
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CISM services are available to ALL first responders, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch.
CONTACT:
Lebanon County DES Communications Center
24/7
717-708-2746
Welcome to CISM -
Supporting Those Who Serve
Supporting Those Who Serve
Welcome to Lebanon County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
Dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders across Lebanon County through specialized services and peer support.
CISM provides a comprehensive approach to traumatic stress management, offering programs and intervention strategies that help emergency personnel navigate, process, and recover from the challenges they face in their critical roles—ensuring they are never alone in the aftermath of difficult experiences.
​Support for First Responders
Take a moment to explore the menu and learn about CISM support options, recognize signs of stress, discover healthy coping strategies, and connect with local resources available to help you and your team.
CISM Team Information
Explore the menu for articles, training opportunities, upcoming events, and resources designed to support CISM team members.
“Because those who serve others deserve support too.”
Dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of first responders across Lebanon County through specialized services and peer support.
CISM provides a comprehensive approach to traumatic stress management, offering programs and intervention strategies that help emergency personnel navigate, process, and recover from the challenges they face in their critical roles—ensuring they are never alone in the aftermath of difficult experiences.
​Support for First Responders
Take a moment to explore the menu and learn about CISM support options, recognize signs of stress, discover healthy coping strategies, and connect with local resources available to help you and your team.
CISM Team Information
Explore the menu for articles, training opportunities, upcoming events, and resources designed to support CISM team members.
“Because those who serve others deserve support too.”
CISM Strategies: DEFUSINGÂ -Â DEBRIEFINGÂ -Â INDIVIDUAL
Defusing
Defusings are shorter, unstructured debriefings that encourage a brief discussion of the events. Defusings typically occur one to three hours following the incident and generally last from 30 minutes to an hour. Our trained specialists facilitate defusing sessions to help individuals process their immediate emotional responses.
CISD - CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFING
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) provides a facilitated environment for individuals to process their experiences following critical incidents, with the goal of promoting mental health and resilience while reducing the likelihood of long-term psychological effects. Debriefings are typically held 12-72 hours following an event.
One-on-One Intervention/Counseling
One-on-one peer support/counseling or psychological support throughout the full range of the crisis spectrum.
Confidentiality You Can Trust
All CISM meetings — including defusing, debriefing, and peer support sessions — are completely confidential. What is shared in these sessions stays between participants and trained CISM team members, ensuring a safe and secure environment for open discussion and emotional support.
CISM Symptoms and Strategies:Â Physical
Physical Symptoms
Sweating Fatigue Dizziness Muscle twitches Headaches Chest pain Chills Teeth grinding Increased heart rate Increased thirst Disrupted sleep Changes in appetite Visual difficulties Nausea or vomiting Shortness of breath Elevated blood pressure Important: Any of these physical symptoms may indicate a need for medical attention. When in doubt, contact your doctor.
Physical Coping Strategies
Exercise, especially within the first 24–48 hours Get plenty of rest Eat well and stay hydrated Limit caffeine intake Be mindful of using drugs or alcohol to numb pain.
CISM Symptoms and Strategies: Emotional/Behavioral
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
Depression Fear Guilt Anxiety or panic Agitation Irritability Social withdrawal Intense anger Increased alcohol or drug use
Emotional Coping Strategies
Understand that you are having a normal reaction to an abnormal situation—be kind to yourself Spend time with others and talk openly; encourage listening without judgment or advice Avoid making major life decisions or significant changes right away Maintain as normal a routine as possible Keep a journal Support co-workers and check on their well-being Recognize that others may be experiencing similar stressors
CISM Symptoms and Strategies: COGNITIVE
Cognitive Symptoms
Confusion Hypervigilance Poor concentration Shortened attention span Nightmares Memory difficulties Suspiciousness Intrusive thoughts
Cognitive Coping Strategies
Do not try to fight nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts Understand that these reactions are normal and will decrease over time Be patient with yourself as your mind processes the event Maintain structure and routine to support focus and clarity
Resources
Crisis Information
Lebanon County Crisis Intervention: 800-673-2496 Lebanon County Crisis Intervention Hotline/County Lifeline: 717-274-3363 Crisis Text line: 24/7 741741 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7, call or text 988 The Trevor Project (suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people): 24/7 - 866-488-7386
Power in Peers for Law Enforcement
Power in Peers: 717-821-0865 Gerry Cassel Coordinator -Police Supporting Peers
Veteran's Resource
Veterans Crisis Line: 24/7 - Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255
Local Employee Assistance Programs (EAP's)
Mazetti & Sullivan EAP: 24/7 member services - 800-543-5080 WellSpan EAP powered by Quest: 24/7 member services - 800-364-6352
Mental Health Professionals
Task Force 10-87 Free confidential therapy for first responders & their families
Learn MoreArticles
Workshops, Seminars, and Special Events
Autism Awareness Training: These important sessions will cover key topics to include: Recognizing early indicators of Autism Effective communication strategies Best practices for responding to individuals with Autism during emergency situations. This training aims to enhance understanding, improve outcomes and ensure compassionate, informed care when seconds matter most. All first responders are encouraged to attend and strengthen their ability to serve every member of the community. To register, go to https://www.lcdes.org/training/autism-awareness-for-first-responders-afternoon-session/Read More
- Date:04/20/2026 02:00 PM - 04/20/2026 04:00 PM
- Location 1805 Cornwall Road, Lebanon, PA, USA (Map)
- More Info:Lebanon County DES
Upcoming Events
| Title | Date | Day | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism Awareness Training for First Responders Session 2 | 20 Apr 2026 | Monday | 1805 Cornwall Road, Lebanon, PA, USA |
| Grief First Aid Session 1 | 09 Jun 2026 | Tuesday | 220 East Lehman Street, Lebanon, PA, USA |
| Grief First Aid Session 2 | 09 Jun 2026 | Tuesday | 1805 Cornwall Road, Lebanon, PA, USA |
Past Events
| Title | Date | Day | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterly Training Seminar | 19 Mar 2026 | Thursday | 1805 Cornwall Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042, USA |
Team Information
Jason Weikel
Hazmat / Special Operations Chief at Lebanon County Department of Emergency ServicesDr. Martha Thompson
Owner & Clinical Director at Empower the Mind LLCKara Summers
Owner 13th Responder Collaborative, Paramedic, Educator and Peer ParaCounselorWith 23+ years in emergency medical services, I am passionate about responder wellness and supporting first responders through CISM and peer support.
Brenda Startoni
ConsultantI earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Millersville University and dedicated 35 years to the field of Emergency Mental Health. I retired in 2024 from WellSpan Philhaven, where I served as Manager of Crisis Intervention. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to supporting individuals in crisis and strengthening the systems that serve them. For more than 25 years, I have been actively involved in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) in both Lebanon and Dauphin Counties. Most recently, I have worked with a team in Lebanon County to bring Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and other mental health education to first responders. I am also a contracted consultant with the Lebanon Rescue Mission, where I support guests with mental health concerns and provide training for staff.
Gerry Cassel
Sergeant, South Londonderry Police DepartmentBorn and raised in Lebanon County 2 years as a Corrections Officer 4 Years as a Volunteer Firefighter 4 Years with Lebanon City PD 4 Years North Londonderry PD The last 19 years with South Londonderry PD, Sergeant since 2012 President of Lebanon Lodge No. 42, FOP Trainer for National FOP “Power In Peers” Coordinator for Lodge No. 42 Peer Support Program
Michelle Biever
James Biever Police-Community Alliance: PresidentJason Weikel
Hazmat / Special Operations Chief at Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services
Dr. Martha Thompson
Owner & Clinical Director at Empower the Mind LLC
Kara Summers
Owner 13th Responder Collaborative, Paramedic, Educator and Peer ParaCounselor
Brenda Startoni
Consultant
Gerry Cassel
Sergeant, South Londonderry Police Department
Michelle Biever
James Biever Police-Community Alliance: President
Contact
Contact the Lebanon County DES Communication Center 24/7 to request CISM services.