The Role of Emergency Response Chaplains

Course length: Half day – 3 hours

Instructor:  Dr. Kevin Ellers

Course Description

Providing effective chaplaincy ministry to individuals, families, and communities following critical incidents and in times of crisis requires special training, skills and understanding of the unique role of the chaplain.  This course builds on the basic crisis intervention principles taught in the recommended Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) courses and seeks to prepare participants to provide chaplaincy services in a variety of settings with diverse population groups.  The course focus is to consider the strategically integrated role of chaplaincy intervention for both the immediate post-incident response, while helping connect survivors with critical support systems throughout the long-term recovery journey.  This class also helps prepare individuals to provide chaplaincy in emergency and crisis situations in coordination with emergency responders. It covers the unique cultural aspects of emergency services and key concepts relating to effective chaplaincy duties.