When should Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) ideally take place?

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is an important process aimed at helping individuals cope with the emotional aftermath of a traumatic incident. The ideal timing for this type of debriefing is within 24 to 72 hours after the incident. This timeframe allows for individuals to process their immediate emotions while still being close enough to the event, facilitating a more effective discussion about their reactions and experiences.

Conducting CISD too soon, such as immediately after the event or within a few hours, may not provide individuals the necessary space to begin processing their feelings, as they may still be in shock or experiencing acute stress. On the other hand, delaying debriefing beyond 72 hours could lead to entrenched stress responses, making it harder to address the psychological impact of the event effectively. This window is critical as it strikes a balance between allowing time for initial reactions while still being relevant enough to facilitate healing and recovery.