About
Crisis Massage
What are the goals of the CMT of RI?
● To provide a resource of chair massage therapy as a support function to RI emergency responders and disaster responders
● To provide small animal massage for search and rescue animals
● To create the standard by which all massage therapy at RI disaster scenes is measured.
● To organize and implement an effective and professional response when requested through the RI CISM TEAM.
● To be aligned with governmental and non-governmental (NGO’s) response agencies.
● To enhance the personal growth and commitment of the volunteer CMT of RI team members.
● To provide a vital and highly visible community outreach program.
Fully Certified by FEMA
Why does the Crisis Massage Team of RI and the RI CISM TEAM have rules, protocol and procedures?
● The CMT of RI under the direction RI CISM TEAM assigns professionally trained licensed therapists in an emergency response environment where their skills in therapeutic touch can bring respite to those first responders operating under high stress levels.
● These 2 groups will work alongside individuals from local, state and federal emergency agencies, i.e., the Red Cross, the National Guard, RIEMA, Behavioral Health agencies, etc. All responding agencies have written policies and protocol that direct their activity at a disaster scene allowing them to respond cooperatively and effectively to disasters. Incident Command procedures are followed.
● Adoption of protocols by the CMT of RI will ensure recognition as a competent response agency that can function in a high stress area and maintain professional standards.