B2 - Utilizing Crisis Response Dogs for CISM Interventions After Mass Casualty Incidents

Dogs have played an important role in providing companionship and comfort to humans. After 9/11/2001, a new era for utilizing therapy dogs was created in the United States. Disaster response requires additional preparation and training for the handler and their canine partner. Tri-State Canine Response Team has provided this power of purpose since 2015. The Tri-State team has responded to over 15 invitations to support those involved in mass causality events around the US including Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL, Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, FedEx in Indianapolis, IN, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, and the 10th anniversary of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Newtown, CT. The team has assisted hundreds, if not thousands, to cope with these and additional disasters from severe weather events to a fatal school bus accident. Tri-State handlers have been trained in a variety of crisis response models including Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Psychological First Aid (PFA), Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and in several National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses. Tri-State Canine Response Team dogs are trained to recognize mild, moderate, and severe emotional disturbance and to provide a stabilizing presence that helps facilitate normal coping. The interactions between handlers, their trained dogs, and those in crisis aids in recovery and resilience. The presentation will offer a detailed look into the Tri-State Canine Response Team’s actual missions and how they provided integrated CISM support for numerous disasters. They worked side-by-side with a variety of CISM teams and provided supportive interventions during individual crisis support, informational and interactive groups, and memorial services.

*Profession Specific CEs:

This presentation is approved for 1.5 PDH from EAPA- Employee Assistance Professionals Association.

1.5 CE Credits for NAADAC, This course has been approved by International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider # 87914, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

*Review ICISF World Congress 17 CE website page for additional requirements.