ICFC/MABAS Chaplain Program

Orientation

Effectively serve the physical, emotional,

mental, social and spiritual needs of those we serve

and protect

Provide Holistic Care

People are by nature physical, emotional and spiritual* beings

(*beliefs and values systems)

We as emergency responders have a responsibility to serve and protect the whole person

Chaplains serve this purpose by specializing in emotional and spiritual care

What is Holistic Care?

Cares for the emotional and spiritual needs of personnel,

families and community in crisis situations

Understands and trains in fire service culture and operations

Not shift based, available 24/7 on assigned days

What is a Fire Chaplain?

Emergency Responder and member of the Fire Service – ‘one of us’

Committed to serve and protect along side firefighters

Trains to provide a Standard of Care for personnel and community

Not primarily a religious advisor – not faith specific

Chaplain communications are

private and confidential

Dependable, faithful, spiritually driven

Federation of Fire Chaplains (FFC) www.firechaplains.org

Illinois Corps of Fire Chaplains (ICFC)www.ilfirechaplains.org

International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF)

www.icisf.org

Professional Organizations Professional Organizations For ChaplainsFor Chaplains

1.Firefighters and Staff2.Command3.Families of Personnel4.Victims of Emergencies and Disasters5.Fellow Chaplains

5 Points Of Service

A Link in the Chain

Incident Includes Internal Support and Assessment (Chaplain and Peer Support)

Pre-incident Education and Training

Intervention Plan Determination

Add External Support CISM/EAP/Medical Services

Continue Internal Supports

Problem Mitigated?

Follow up and Needs Assessment

ContinueInternal Supports

•Caring for •firefighters and personnel•their families•the community•each other

Establishing A Standard Of Care

Be Present… Listen!Be Present… Listen!

Really, though…What does a fire chaplain

do?

Job Stress? Problems At Home?

Cutbacks in the Ambulance Department

have slowed response times. Yes Dear.

Illinois Corps of Fire Chaplains, Inc July 2009Illinois Corps of Fire Chaplains, Inc July 2009

Or when things just go wrong…

Psychological First Aid

We walk with people in the midst of crisis

We then place them in the hands of their own support systems and needed care.

“Firefighters and their families must

have access to counseling and psychological

support.”

Supports “Everyone Goes Home” Firefighter Life Safety Initiative

#13

If you can predict it…you can prevent it

New chaplains do not always have the skills needed for this job

Interviews, orientation, comprehensive training and a probationary period should be required

Chaplains Train To Provide An Effective Standard of Care For Those We Serve Together

Existing theological and pastoral training is NOT sufficient for this job.

A ccessibility

C ommunication

T raining

What’s different?

Basic Training

PPE & Fire Ground Safety/OperationsIncident Command System (NIMS)Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)Pastoral Crisis InterventionLine of Duty Death and FD FuneralsCPR and First AidDepartmental Training Opportunities

Determine what method works best for your department

PagerCell Phone

Dispatch Tone-Out2 Way Radio

CommunicationsCommunications

In order to help Chaplains must know In order to help Chaplains must know

when, where and howwhen, where and how

to respondto respond

The Division Chaplain The Division Chaplain CommitteeCommittee

3 Positions• Chaplain Coordinator• Chief Liaison• Training Officer

Policy Development includes• Duties and Training • Committee Guidelines• Task Force Response