Post Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS)

Purpose

The Post Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS) is a free, peer-supported training seminar designed for first responders who have been affected by a critical incident, cumulative career stress, or traumatic life events (job-related or not) that are now showing up as real-world impairment at home, at work, or in day-to-day functioning. The seminar combines structured peer-to-peer support with the presence and guidance of qualified clinical staff to help participants identify healthier coping strategies, reduce trauma-related symptoms, and build long-term resilience. 

Format and approach

PCIS is an experiential workshop (not a lecture-only class). Participants have the opportunity to process a particularly troubling incident in a professionally supported environment with other public safety peers who have “been there.” The model includes education on trauma, patterns of resolution, and field-tested coping strategies that support recovery and resilience. Peer support is a core element because discussing experiences with credible peers can reduce isolation, normalize reactions, and promote recovery. 

Background

The PCIS format is widely used across multiple states and is patterned after a model used by the FBI for decades (commonly referenced as “over 25 years,” with some materials noting use dating back to 1985). 

Why PCIS matters

Even when an officer or responder receives solid immediate support after an incident, the effects can linger. Many describe a critical incident as “crossing a fence” with no option to go back—because it can permanently change how the job, the street, and even one’s own sense of safety is perceived. PCIS is built for that reality: it helps participants understand what happened to them, identify what helps (and what silently makes things worse), and regain traction in life and relationships. 

What is a critical incident?

A critical incident is any event that produces an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and/or loss of control.

It can include (but is not limited to):

• Line-of-duty shootings or officer-involved shootings

• Being shot, seriously injured, or exposed to severe violence on duty

• High-speed pursuits ending in tragedy

• Events generating prolonged and/or critical media attention

• Personal tragedies or traumatic events outside the job 

Who should attend

PCIS is intended for law enforcement officers, first responders, and emergency communications/dispatch personnel who have experienced a critical incident and are still seeing a diminished quality of life or functional impairment related to that exposure—whether the incident was recent or years ago. If you’re “back at work” but not truly back in your life, you’re the target audience. 

Family participation

Spouses/significant others are strongly encouraged to attend with their first responder family member. When the responder is impacted, the household is impacted—PCIS is designed to support recovery in the whole system, not just the individual. 

Outcomes and takeaways

Participants can expect:

• A structured opportunity to share their experience with trusted peers

• Practical coping skills for traumatic stress and PTSD-related symptoms

• Education on trauma and recovery patterns that helps make reactions understandable (and manageable)

• Support from clinical professionals alongside trained peers, including additional individual support when needed