1. Ryan Campbell Western Carolina University

2. Definition:  Crisis response teams are groups of dedicated, professionally trained adults who provide 24-hour on-scene crisis assistance services to victims of traumatic events.

3.  Today these teams are comprised of volunteers from all walks of life.  These teams attract a different set of personality types from volunteer fire departments as these volunteers are less front line and face fewer risks.

4. Training:  Before responding these team members participate in 100 hours of training.  This training includes: CPR Evade (Driver Training) Crisis Intervention Monthly meetings to review calls and actions Continuing education

5.  Assault  Death  Drowning  Homicide  Pediatric Fatality  Working Fire  Domestic Violence  Sexual Assault  Mental Health Issues  Child/Elder Abuse/Neglect  Evacuation  Barricades  Bomb Threats

6.  The CR team was designed to assist firefighters and police officers during 911 calls.  Once the team arrives on-scene, it allows the firefighters to “go back in service” and to provide police officers with additional assistance and respond to the needs of the citizens.  The team remains on-scene to provide emotional assistance and referrals.

7. Development:  Crisis response teams started in Phoenix from a partnership with Arizona State University  This partnership allowed ASU students to work in real world environments to supplement their educational experiences.

8. Effectiveness  During the 2009-2010 fiscal year fiscal year, our volunteers responded to 3,205 calls. The average on scene time was 2 hours. This culminated in over 6,000 hours of direct contact between volunteers and victims.  It is estimated that this allowed fire / police units to be placed back in service two to three times as fast as before the teams were implemented.

9. Funding:  The majority of funding for these programs has been reliant on grants and donations. Some greats are specific to victim advocacy and serving crime victims.  During the fiscal year 10/11 the time volunteers donated was valued at $500,000 by human resource officials.

10.  “I don’t recall much of the day….what I do remember is the 2 of you trying to take care of me. Your kindness that day will never be forgotten. The work that you do is honorable and I wanted to take this opportunity to share my gratitude.”

11.  “There are no words to convey my thanks and appreciation for your kindness and actions at my time of need. Your professional and personal attention was so appreciated.”

12.  “Thank you for the sympathy card. Thank you for being with me and my daughter…on the day I found my son. Your caring ways and compassion was very much appreciated. It was a day I will never forget. I never dreamed I would walk in and find my son no longer alive. It was a devastating experience. I am moving forward as I am a survivor and life goes on…… Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. I can’t comprehend how you all do what you do every day. You too are “guardian angels”. God Bless You and keep you all safe.”