What is CIRP?
A Podcast Introduction by Capt. John McFadden
A “critical incident” is any event that has a stressful impact sufficient enough to overwhelm the usually effective coping skills of either an individual or a group. Almost all ALPA pilot groups have adopted the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP), which is credited with helping many pilots return to the cockpit after an accident or incident.
CIRP uses trained pilots and spouses to assist in lessening the stress reactions on pilots, accident investigators, and their families following an accident or incident. Pilot and family peer support volunteers are trained in structured defusing and debriefing techniques that help flightcrew members and their families more effectively deal with their normal reactions to an abnormal event. This time-critical, peer-based support accelerates recovery from those events before harmful stress reactions damage job performance, careers, families, personal life, and health.