LE3 .A278 1994

1994

Fraser, J.A.H (Sandy)

Acadia University

Master of Education

Masters

Counselling

Education

This study investigate the effectiveness of the critical incident stress debriefing process, in particular the "Mitchell Model", as perceived by the volunteer firefighters. The study was conducted by using a qualitative research approach of in-depth interviews with ten firefighters who had participated in the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) process between July 1993 and December 1993. The recorded interviews were transcribed and coded and from this process, eight dominant themes evolved. These themes are: the positive impact of the CISD process on the department; the positive impact of the CISD process on the individual; the value of venting, of being able to express emotions, and the importance of getting the whole perspective; and gaining an understanding that as firefighters, they had done their best, they were not alone in their feeling and that they shared a stronger ease of bonding or brotherhood as a result of the CISD process. The overall positive impact and effectiveness of the CISD process on volunteer firefighters was reflected throughout the data supporting the very limited documented research in this area.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3666