The idea of forming a European network was initiated during a lunch meeting at the ICISF conference in Baltimore 2015.
The first meeting was held in Madrid 2016, hosted by SEPLA. The second planning meeting took place in Denmark 2017, hosted by Renée Lander, Air France. The third meeting was in Rome, 2018, hosted by Francesca Bartoccini in Mayday, Italy.
After the planning meetings, a conference took place in Malmö, Sweden, 2019, with 45 participants from 16 countries.During 2020 150 participants met through the zoom platform, representing around 25 different countries. In 2021 a hybrid conference was hosted by Claudine Meyer-Sager in Switzerland with 50 live participants and over 100 digital participants. In October 2022 a conference was held in Madrid hosted by Eurocontrol, Enaire and ECISM with 50 live, and 120 digital participants . In 2024 the latest conference was held in Langen Germany organized by DFS. About 150 live and 60 digital persons participated. The next European conference is planned for 2026. ECISM has also organized extended-meetings. Some of the topics were digital training, mindfulness and training for Polish and Lithuanian peer-supporters.
The first meeting was held in Madrid 2016, hosted by SEPLA. The second planning meeting took place in Denmark 2017, hosted by Renée Lander, Air France. The third meeting was in Rome, 2018, hosted by Francesca Bartoccini in Mayday, Italy.
After the planning meetings, a conference took place in Malmö, Sweden, 2019, with 45 participants from 16 countries. During 2020 150 participants met through the zoom platform, representing around 25 different countries. In 2021 a hybrid conference was hosted by Claudine Meyer-Sager in Switzerland with 50 live participants and over 100 digital participants. In October 2022 a conference was held in Madrid hosted by Eurocontrol, Enaire and ECISM with 50 live, and 120 digital participants . In 2024 the latest conference was held in Langen Germany organized by DFS. About 150 live and 60 digital persons participated. The next European conference is planned for 2026. ECISM has also organized extended-meetings. Some of the topics were digital training, mindfulness and training for Polish and Lithuanian peer-supporters.
The idea of forming a European network was initiated during a lunch meeting at the ICISF conference in Baltimore 2015.
Since the events of October 7th, 2023, the Israeli aviation industry has operated under the shadow of a prolonged, high-intensity conflict. This presentation explores the unique psychological landscape of the Israeli airlines flight crews and support staff during this period.
Drawing on first-hand accounts and case studies from the field, this session will highlight:
• The manifestation of collective PTSD within a highly disciplined professional environment.
• The critical role of peer-to-peer intervention in identifying early signs of burnout and emotional fatigue.
• Practical tools and "psychological safety" protocols implemented to maintain operational integrity.
The webinar will be presented by:
Captain Elad Raas Rothschild
at El Al Israeli Airlines and REUT - Israeli pilot assistance network.
The webinar is free but we appreciate any contribution to our WISE account.Registration to the webinar is made on ecism@mail.com
A ZOOM link will be sent out after registration.
Building on the success of our Rome conference, we are headed to Dublin in March 2028!
Prepare for another inspiring event filled with stimulating presentations and valuable networking.
We look forward to bringing you another successful conference, and to see you in Dublin.
Mark your calendars! More details to follow.
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to go directly to the Ecism Wise payment page
Boel Stefansson
How did you get involved with CISM?
I am a CISM Coordinator within air traffic management and the founder/CEO of ATM Resilience AB. With a background as a Watch supervisor and air traffic controller, I have worked at ATCC Malmö, Stockholm and Eurocontrol in Luxembourg, focusing on human factors training. From my experience as an Air Traffic Controller, I learned how much difference CISM peer support makes for me and my colleagues. My expertise include crisis management and international experience across the aviation sector. Currently, I am managing my own company, offering research, training, and crisis support. I am dedicated to promoting safety and resilience within the air traffic industry worldwide.
What is your vision for the future of the E-CISM Network?
My vision for the E-CISM network is to share knowledge and experience across borders and industries.”
Claudine Meyer-Sager
How did you get involved with CISM?
I am a psychologist and I became involved in Critical Incident Stress Management in 2013 when I took over the CISM Team at Skyguide, the Swiss air navigation service. I was immediately fascinated by the subject, and I am very passionate about my job. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is more than just a method for addressing the aftereffects of trauma; it is a proactive approach to protecting mental health. Peer interventions can make a real difference in recovery and mental well-being. Through my involvement in CISM, I would like to contribute to building systems that offer immediate support and long-term resilience for those affected by a critical incident.
What is your vision for the future of the E-CISM Network?
As for the future of the European CISM network, my vision is to foster a continent-wide, collaborative system. I hope to see increased integration between countries, enabling the sharing of best practices, resources, and expertise. I hope to build an agile and adaptive network, capable of addressing the emerging threats and crises in our rapidly changing world.
Per Hassling
How did you get involved with CISM?
I first became involved with CISM after working for several years in the fire department. We had learned how to take care of others but nothing about how to take care of ourselves after an emergency call. I felt that the work had begun to affect me negatively and wanted a change. We trained and started a support group within the rescue services. I was operationally responsible for the group as well as for recruitment, training, and supervision of our peer support.
What is your vision for the future of the E-CISM Network?
My vision for ECISM is that it will become a network of people from different workplaces and backgrounds, but with a shared interest and commitment to CISM, who can meet both in person and online. To be able to exchange knowledge, experiences, and lessons across borders.
Stefan Dahlberg
How did you get involved with CISM?
I worked in organisations ( Forensic Psychiatry and Stockholm police department), which often had critical incidents but had little or no support for those affected. I was later invited to a training run by the Swedish Rescue Services Agency and could combine my experiences with theoretical knowledge and training in critical incident interventions. I took part in practical training in Norway and the USA. At the same time, Swedish International Forces started a returnee program for officers and soldiers returning home after serving in Balkan, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Mali and other places. I was one of many facilitators from different organisations with different backgrounds who got practical training. What we learned and developed has been used for other organisations such as rescue teams after earthquakes, Doctors without Borders, journalists, and travel agencies. The good team spirit and low prestige inspired me to start the Swedish Network for Crisis Intervention in 1995. We meet every year to share knowledge, experiences, and development. That has inspired me to be a part of building a European network. I am proud of what we already achieved during meetings in Malmö, Lucerne, Madrid and Frankfurt both ¨live¨ and via Zoom. We strengthened the network, shared experiences, learned from each other, and cooperated across borders during and after critical incidents.
What is your vision for the future of the E-CISM Network?
My wish for the future is that we combine our perseverance and trust with openness to new ideas together with old and new members from different countries and organisations.
Shiri Spector
How did you get involved with CISM?
I was the head of the Psychotherapy Department at King's College Hospital in London for over a decade. We were called many times to provide critical incident debriefings for medical teams, following traumatic events on the wards or mass casualties. Since then I have set up my own company training healthcare professionals across the health and social care sectors in the UK in facilitating CISDs. More recently I had the privilege of facilitating peer support sessions for humanitarian aid workers in Lesvos.
I have seen the impact of critical incidents and traumatic events on the workforce in many settings. I have also seen how a well-facilitated CISD can mitigate the impact, allow for sharing, processing, and the beginning of healing.
What is your vision for the future of the E-CISM Network?
My vision for the European CISM network is to reach out to colleagues across countries and sectors, to inspire conversations, to share experiences, to promote research and collaborations, to be inclusive and inquisitive, so that CISM continues to be a relevant and current practice.
Oliver Barbour
How did you get involved with CISM?
I served in the Irish Defence Forces from 1973 until 2017 as an officer. I served on UN missions as well as supporting Irish troops on overseas service. In the military and with Front Line Services we use the “buddy buddy system”. In the late 1980s, I saw the need for an enhanced peer to peer programme. I travelled to the Baltimore USA and studied with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. There, I saw how valuable a CISMProgramme could benefit all Front-Line personnel. I have presented on CISM programmes across Ireland, Europe and Africa. I am a trained counsellor psychotherapist and hold an MSc in Trauma Management. I am an Assistant Lecturer in the Southeast Technological University, Carlow Ireland facilitating CISM Training. I am also a qualified Elite Certified Instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). In 2009 I was presented with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation Co-founders award for “Excellence in Crisis and Disaster Response”. In May 2019, I was presented by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation at the World Congress in Baltimore Maryland with a “Lifetime Achievement Award”. Presently, I am SAFEHAVEN CISM Team Director.
What is your vision for the future of the E-CISM Network?
My vision for the European CISM Network is to share and enable best practice for all on the continent. To make ECISM resources and expertise available through training and webinars. The World is a challenging place at the moment; therefore, we need to be prepared to provide a standard support to one another.