CISM: Co je to krizová intervence po traumatu a proč je důležitá

When someone experiences a sudden, shocking event — like an accident, violence, or death of a colleague — their mind doesn’t just need time. It needs CISM, crisis intervention specifically designed for acute trauma response. Also known as Critical Incident Stress Management, it’s not therapy. It’s emergency psychological first aid, delivered within hours or days after the event to prevent long-term damage. In the Czech Republic, CISM is used by emergency services, hospitals, schools, and even companies after workplace tragedies. It’s not about talking through everything — it’s about stopping the panic before it becomes a disorder.

What makes CISM different from regular therapy? It’s fast, structured, and team-based. A trained team — often including psychologists, paramedics, and peer supporters — shows up after a critical incident. They offer education about akutní stresová reakce, the natural but dangerous stress response after trauma, normalize reactions like shaking, numbness, or nightmares, and guide people toward safe coping. This isn’t guesswork. Studies show that if CISM is applied within 72 hours, it cuts the risk of developing PTSD by nearly half. In Czech emergency units, it’s now standard procedure after fatal accidents or mass incidents.

CISM doesn’t replace long-term therapy — but it prevents the need for it. Many people who get CISM never need to see a psychologist again. Others use it as a bridge. You’ll find posts here about how CISM connects to psychická první pomoc, the broader field of immediate mental health support, and how it works alongside tools like stabilizing techniques before EMDR. You’ll also see how it’s used in schools after suicides, in factories after accidents, and even in families after sudden loss. This isn’t theory. It’s what happens when trained people show up when it matters most.

What you’ll find in the articles below are real stories and clear explanations — how CISM works in practice, who delivers it, why it’s still underused in the Czech Republic, and how you can recognize when someone needs it. No fluff. No jargon. Just what you need to know to understand, support, or seek help after a crisis.