New Jersey Disaster Critical Incident Stress Response

New Jersey Disaster Critical Incident Response (NJDCISR) is a program administered by the Office of Employee and Organization Development that addresses the needs of high-risk rescuers and first responders.

( Click on the NJDCISR logo above for more information)

NJDCISR utilizes a customized Critical Incident Stress Response model that is comprehensive, statewide, and first responder oriented. This model draws upon peer support and first responder expertise to integrate lessons learned from experience with previous disasters and events, as well through interactive response and training. You can learn more about NJDCISR by visiting their website at www.njdcisr.org

T.A.P.E.R. ©
Trauma & Addiction Psychology for Emergency Responders

Contact telephone number: 1-800-968-1242

People who serve in the various emergency services, such as police, fire, EMS and other rescue personnel are at a heightened risk for traumatic stress and other powerful emotional reactions in the wake of a major disaster. New Jersey has a long history of proactive involvement in developing peer-support programs to help first responders cope with the emotional aftermath of disasters and other traumatic events. The following programs offer such services as peer-debriefing, telephone support, referral information and education about first responder stress management.

The New Jersey Crisis Intervention Response Network (NJCIRN) - Both active and retired police, fire and rescue personnel act as trained peer support counselors. The network coordinates a number of teams providing coverage to the entire state. For more information or to make requests for Crisis Intervention Response Network services call (866) 657-2473.

Cop2Cop - Initially created as a police stress management hotline, this program offers 24-hour/7-day telephone support to officers and their families. The team of retired law enforcement professionals is also trained and able to provide on-site debriefing and other Critical Incident Stress Management support. In response to September 11, the program expanded its scope to offer support services to all first responders. You can learn more about this program by calling (866) Cop2Cop (267-2267).

Fireman's Benevolent Association (FMBA) - As a member of the CISM Network of New Jersey, the FMBA has a well trained team of firefighters willing and able to assist their brother and sister firefighters in coping with the emotional fallout of a disaster or traumatic event. You can learn more about these peer support services by calling (732) 499-9250.

Homeland Responder Training Network

The Homeland Responder Training Network delivers disaster preparedness information and training via www.homelandresponder.org. Their goal is to provide career and volunteer responders with unique learning opportunities that address current preparedness and response issues.