Supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency Rescuers: a variation of critical incident stress management

The purpose of this article was to document the efforts of two military installations in facilitating Critical Incident Stress Management teams for Federal Emergency Management Agency Rescue and Recovery Units following the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. McGuire Air Force Base accepted the mission to support the rotating task forces with emotional support, and Fort Dix offered temporary lodging while the teams were in-bound and out-bound to the "Ground Zero" site. A team, comprised of staff from both installations due to the configuration of professional and support staffs, does the Critical Incident Stress Management work. Both installations are within commuting distance of New York City and could provide adequate safety, security, and logistics to the teams. The classic crisis management models were not called into play, as that service was not asked for; however, it was clear to the McGuire Air Force Base/Fort Dix Critical Incident Stress Management team members that the rescue and recovery teams needed their physical presence. Many rescue organizations have their own "debriefing teams," yet it is believed that "outside teams" may be helpful as interim measures to demonstrate the universality of the process of coping with traumatic stress and grief management. It is hoped that this article honors the workers who came together to help in a very difficult time for our country. This article documents the interim measures that were taken for a group of people moving through crisis.