Which statement best describes CISM Defusing?

• A. A full debrief conducted hours after the incident
• B. A group debrief led by supervisors
• C. A mini debrief not as detailed or long as full debrief, performed immediately after incident
• D. A written summary of the incident

Answer: (C)

Defusing is an early, brief, informal session designed to help people process their initial reactions to a traumatic incident. It is done soon after the event—often within hours—and is shorter and less detailed than a full debrief. The aim is to provide immediate support, normalize common responses, and identify anyone who may need more help later.

That makes the description of a mini debrief performed immediately after the incident the best fit. It captures both the brevity and the timeliness essential to defusing, without going into the longer, more in-depth analysis that a full debrief entails. A full debrief happens later and is more detailed, a written summary is not a debrief, and while a group debrief can occur, defusing is specifically the quick, initial dose of support right after the event.