KINGSFORD HIGH SCHOOL students participated in a mock exercise using Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) with the Michigan State Police Post in Iron Mountain. Shown here in front from left are Jeananne Sheltrow, Elyse Damico, Alissa Kainrath, Nicci Hofer, Anita Leeman, and Lisa Woods. In back from left are Trooper Steve Boyer, Trooper Geno Basanese, Joe Hruska, Mitchell Wiltzius, Dominic Occhietti, Chloe Gabbert and Trooper Scott Ritsema.

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Southern Upper Peninsula Crisis Response Team is a group of peers and professional who are trained to respond to a request for help from first responders — fire departments, EMS and law enforcement — when a situation has the potential to overwhelm the coping abilities of that group.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is a way to lighten much of the effect of a traumatic event. It may prevent a debilitating condition called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

CISM services offer group outreach and support to first responders affected by Critical Incident Stress events. Services are available to first responders in Dickinson and Iron counties in Michigan and Florence County in Wisconsin.

Recently a group of students from Kingsford High Schools’ National Honor Society and S.A.D.D. participated in a “mock” exercise at the Michigan State Police Post in Iron Mountain.