The original protocol for CCST (in 2019 was CMT) operations was implemented in July 2019 under the leadership of the UCC Director and can be found in Appendix A of the 2019 Protocol for Responding to the Death of a Current Student. Informed by Student Affairs reorganization and lessons learned from deployments, below is the revised protocol.
The University of Pittsburgh intends to provide a safe and positive environment for all students. When tragedy does occur, it is incumbent upon the University to respond in a sensitive and caring manner, recognizing that individuals respond in different ways to different circumstances that may surround a critical incident or tragedy. Thus, under NO circumstances should staff members talk to the media. All requests for information from news media personnel should be referred to Office of University Communications at 412-624-4147 and Student Affairs, Marketing and Communication at 412-648-1049.
Considering the complex and sensitive nature of a critical incident, no policy or protocol can describe in complete detail on how to respond to every tragedy. These guidelines establish a framework that the Campus Crisis Support Team (CCST) volunteers will follow in response to a critical incident in a caring, coordinated, consistent and professional manner, using Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) methodology and interventions.
The Associate Dean, Student Wellness provides oversight and in consultation with the UCC Executive Director designates a CCST Lead who will assist with deployment and operations. The purpose of the CCST is:
- To provide support as soon as possible to facilitate healing of individuals and groups from distress, grief, and loss.
- If the tragedy is a completed suicide:
- work with those affected by the death to aid mourning in ways that avoid increasing the risk of contagion, i.e. prevention of suicide among people who are at high risk after exposure to a completed suicide.
- To provide resources for ongoing support and treatment, including professional and peer-support options.
- To provide follow up (e.g. reach out to individual/groups and warm hand offs, if indicated) for those affected by the tragedy.