Each of the following are key questions to ask to determine if a debriefing is warranted EXCEPT _____.

• A. Has the CISM team been activated in a timely manner?
• B. Have there been significant safety concerns?
• C. Have participants expressed desire to debrief?
• D. Is there ongoing distress among staff?

Answer: (A)

When deciding if a debriefing is warranted, focus on the immediate emotional and operational needs after a critical incident. The questions that guide this decision look at whether there is ongoing distress among staff, whether participants themselves express a desire to debrief, and whether there are safety concerns that a debrief could help address. A debriefing aims to provide support, validate reactions, share coping strategies, and identify individuals who may need additional help. The timing or speed with which the CISM team was activated is a procedural consideration about incident response, not a direct indicator of whether a debriefing is needed. Therefore, the option about timely activation does not fit the criterion for determining debriefing needs, while the other three reflect actual indicators of whether a debriefing would be beneficial.