ATCO Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

Vital Support for Operational Safety

Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) are essential to the safety and smooth operation of air traffic. These professionals work in high-pressure environments managing events from routine air traffic flow to high-stress emergency situations, requiring quick decision-making and focus.

Critical incident stress is the mental, emotional, and physical response following a traumatic event. For ATCOs, this could mean a near-miss, an emergency, or even a crash. These incidents can trigger a range of profound reactions impacting an ATCO’s ability to perform their job.

CISM programmes are vital in minimising potential downtime for ATCOs following an incident or accident and can aid in retaining those involved. Traumatic events often lead to diminished performance or employees leaving the profession due to PTSD. Therefore, CISM not only provides immediate financial benefits to the employer by reducing sick leave and accelerating recovery but also offers long-term savings by reducing the need to recruit and train new staff to replace those who might leave. Unfortunately, CISM is only available for ATCOs in less than half of the world’s air traffic systems.

After serving as the IFATCA EVP Americas, I am eager to transition into the role of EVP Professional. A primary objective in this new position is to broaden the availability of peer support, particularly CISM, to ATCOs where such services are currently lacking. To achieve this, our federation must gather data on existing programmes, identify areas without CISM, and pinpoint regions where awareness of CISM is minimal.

Leveraging the expertise from countries with established programmes is essential for extending our federation’s reach. Educating stakeholders— including the workforce, associations, aviation safety bodies, ANSPs - about the benefits of CISM is crucial. Without dedicated commitment and investment, these programmes cannot realise their full potential. As we strive to support more ATCOs through effective CISM programmes, it is important to recognise peer support can vary in its levels of engagement.

Our goal is to train additional peer debriefers, thereby extending assistance to more ATCOs and encouraging more employers to invest in these programmes. Achieving this requires implementing structured programmes that involve licensed clinicians to support CISM debriefings and, when necessary, in follow-up care.

In the Americas, it has taken time, but progress has been made in expanding CISM. Previously, only Canada and the U.S. had robust programmes. With assistance from the U.S. team and commitment from the Dominican Republic’s member association, we trained and certified eight CISM peer debriefers. This team has provided defusing and peer support on virtual platforms, most recently to Argentina ATCOs following the San Fernando accident in December.

During my career I have never received the support that this group gave me, at the exact moment when I was overwhelmed, acting like a machine because that is how we are trained, but we are not just that and wow, this event made me realise it. I am important too,” a controller shared afterward, “I tell you that I have managed to fall asleep, the pains/contractures disappeared, I am more relaxed now. Again, thank you to each one of you. Thank you, thank you.

For ATCOs, these incidents are particularly challenging because as they unfold in real-time, they are expected to manage the immediate situation while grappling with the emotional weight of the event. The ATCO’s responsibilities are immense, ensuring safety while maintaining a professional and calm demeanor.

CISM is a structured, multi-phase approach designed to help individuals recover from the psychological impact of traumatic events. The programme phases are explained below:

• Early Intervention: This may involve providing ATCOs with immediate access to support services such as defusing, peer support, or counseling

• Peer Support programmes: Peer support is a central component of CISM, as it connects ATCOs with colleagues who understand the unique stresses of the job

• Defusing and Debriefing: Following a traumatic incident, defusing and debriefing sessions are critical for helping ATCOs. Defusing typically occurs within hours of an incident and offers immediate support to discuss initial reactions. Debriefing, however, occurs within 24 to 72 hours of the event and provides a more structured environment where ATCOs can share thoughts, reflect on the event, and receive coping strategies

• Ongoing Support: Some ATCOs may need extended support, especially if they continue to experience distress long after the event.

Implementing a CISM Programme

Three steps to implementing a CISM programme:

• Planning: This includes selecting and training peer supporters, defining the roles of coordinators, and establishing connections with licensed clinicians.

• Communication: This includes raising awareness and ensuring that ATCOs know how to access support.

• Evaluation: Collecting feedback from participants and tracking the outcomes of interventions helps assess the program’s success and enables improvement.

By investing in CISM, employers and associations can support those who are responsible for the safety of millions ensuring a resilient and capable workforce is performing their high-stakes duties.

Trish Gilbert serves her third term as Executive Vice President Americas for the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA).