Item: SUPPORTING PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE IN MOUNTAIN PROFESSIONALS: EARLY PEER SUPPORT FOLLOWING CRITICAL INCIDENTS
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Title: SUPPORTING PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE IN MOUNTAIN PROFESSIONALS: EARLY PEER SUPPORT FOLLOWING CRITICAL INCIDENTS
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Jan Neuspiel [ Mountain Professional Critical Incident Stress Management Association, British Columbia, Canada ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Mountain professionals, including avalanche forecasters, ski patrollers, mountain guides and helicopter and cat ski operators amongst others work in environments where exposure to traumatic incidents is an unavoidable occupational hazard. While the mountain industries have made advances in technical risk management, avalanche forecasting, rescue capability, and operational decision-making, comparatively little attention has been given to structured post-incident psychological support. The Mountain Professional Critical Incident Stress Management (Mountain CISM) Association was established to provide early peer support for mountain professionals following critical incidents. The program adapts internationally recognized Critical Incident Stress Management principles to the unique operational realities of mountain workplaces, emphasizing confidential peer support delivered by experienced mountain professionals rather than therapy or clinical treatment. Peers are trained to International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) standards. Since beginning operations in 2023, Mountain CISM has responded to 99 callouts supporting more than 580 mountain professionals from a broad range of organizations. The objective is to provide emotional first aid, assist teams in returning to effective functioning, identify individuals who may require professional mental health care, and strengthen organizational resilience. This paper describes the rationale for establishing Mountain CISM, outlines the program structure and operational model, summarizes experience from the first three years of operation, and discusses lessons learned. It argues that psychological recovery following critical incidents should be considered an essential component of risk management within mountain operations, alongside rescue, investigation, and operational debriefing.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P2.38.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098989
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Jan Neuspiel
Keywords: Critical Incident Stress Management, Peer Support, Mountain Operations, Psychological Resilience, Critical Incident Response
Page Number(s): 1397 - 1401
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