Crisis Massage Team - RI
CMT - RI Crisis Massage Team of Rhode Island
Membership Standards for massage therapists and support staff
The Crisis Massage Team of Rhode Island (CMT-RI) program was developed through the cooperation of 2 licensed massage therapists and the coordinator of the Rhode Island Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Inc. The CMT - RI operates under the supervision of this non profit organization.
The CMT-RI team provides guidelines and safety measures that prepare massage therapists professionals for deployment during emergency situation within the State of Rhode Island. There are 2 levels of membership:
1. Licensed massage therapists
2. Support staff.
Interested licensed massage therapists are required to participate in responder training and must complete the CMT-RI application process. The following requirements must accompany an application in order to participate on the CMT-RI team.
 | Copy of your RI Massage license |
| Evidence of insurance |
| One time application fee of $25.00, which is non-refundable. |
Those interested in working as support staff are required to participate in responder training and must complete the CMT-RI application process. The following requirements must accompany an application in order to participate on the CMT-RI team.
Copy of driver’s license
One time application fee of $25.00, which is non-refundable.
Crisis Massage Team - RI
Crisis Massage Team of Rhode Island
Application for Membership
Please review the criteria for application, and allow your signature to indicate that you wish to be placed on the team for training, stand by, or call down for a crisis.
_____ I am applying for membership as a licensed massage therapist
_____ I am applying for membership as support staff
The following items must accompany your application as a licensed massage therapist:
The following items must accompany your application for support staff:
Name ____________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Phone numbers:
Cell ___________________________________________________
Home _________________________________________________
Work ______________________________May we call you at work? Yes No
E-mail address ________________________________________
RI Massage License # ___________________________ Verified Yes No _______
Proof of insurance # _____________________________ Verified Yes No ______
RI drivers license # _____________________________ Verified Yes No _______
Do you own or have access to a massage chair? Yes No
Emergency contact person:
Name: ______________________________________relationship _______________
Phone number ___________________________
I agree to a BCI check
______________________________________________________
Signature and date
Mail application, check and all required documentation to:
Anne Balboni, Psy.D
RI CISM TEAM, Inc.
22 Laura Circle
Cranston, RI 02920
401-465-2897
For additional information or to speak with a team coordinator:
Regina Cobb, MSW, LCMT
508-954-2125
Denise Nerney, LMT
401-559-9675
djnerney@cox.net
Dianne Polseno, LMT
401-255-2962
Dipol@aol.com
This document may be reproduced for additional applicants. When an application is received, it will be held for the next training. This training date will then be provided to all applicants on file.
The Crisis Massage Team of Rhode Island
What is the Crisis Massage Team of RI? (CMT - RI)
● The Crisis Massage Team of RI (CMT-RI) is a program outcome implemented through a recommendation of the Titian Report (the After-Action Report commissioned by Office for Domestic Preparedness, US Department of Homeland Security) after the Station nightclub fire of 2003.
● It is a joint venture between the Rhode Island Critical Incident Stress Management TEAM, Inc. and a group of willing, licensed, qualified, massage therapist willing to provide assistance to first responders and those who respond to a crisis or disaster within the state of Rhode Island.
● The CMT- RI is also a training program for those who wish to join this team.
● As a response agency certain qualifications, policies and protocol have been implemented.
How does the Crisis Massage Team - RI operate?
● The CMT - RI is a program comprised of leadership of those licensed massage therapists who respond to an identified need and who are willing to work in conjunction with the leadership of the Rhode Island Critical Incident Stress Management TEAM, Inc. (RI CISM TEAM, Inc.)
● The RI CISM TEAM, Inc. is an incorporated, non-profit organization having an operating mission to provide support to first responders and those who provide a specialized response to a crisis or disaster. The goals of the RI CISM program include all parameters of stress management. To assist this program, the RI massage therapist will make available their unique expertise of their highly qualified, professionally trained massage therapists.
● The leadership of the CMT - RI will be formed from within the massage therapist membership of those who are willing to take additional trainings and are deemed qualified to take on the responsibly of leadership.
What are the qualifications of the Crisis Massage Team - RI leadership?
● Leadership in the CMT - RI must first of all meet all the qualifications for membership. Additionally these individuals must be possess leadership qualities and be willing to take on the additional required trainings and responsibilities.
● The CMT - RI leaders must be familiar with the policies and protocol of the RI CISM TEAM and be willing to work harmoniously and jointly with their leadership. At a disaster scene they will act under the direct supervision of the RI CISM TEAM, Inc.
What are the qualifications for membership in the Crisis Massage Team - RI?
Active membership in the CMT- RI
One day initial training as a responder
Compliance with all professional licensures
Compliance with liability insurance
Current RI license in good standing
Willing to abide by policies and procedures
What are the responsibilities of licensed massage therapist members?
Stay in compliance with all qualifications for membership
Keep up dated response telephone numbers
Abide by National Certification Board Code of Ethics
Abide by CMT-RI professional behavior guidelines
Participate at the request of the CMT-RI leadership
Administer basic specific massage techniques
Follow all guidelines established for this program
What are the responsibilities of members working as support staff?
Stay in compliance with all qualifications for membership
Keep up dated response telephone numbers
Abide by CMT-RI professional behavior guidelines
Participate at the request of the CMT-RI leadership
Follow all guidelines established for this program
When did massage therapy become a partner in disaster work?
● The concept of using chair massage therapy started in 1989 following the California Loma Prieta Earthquake. During this disaster, more than 8,000 massages were given to disaster workers, demolition workers, grief counselors, highway patrol officers, and many others. Since that time, volunteer massage therapists have participated in numerous disaster responses.
What are the goals of the CMT - RI?
● To provide a resource of chair massage therapy as a support function to RI emergency responders and disaster responders.
● 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 response emergency 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.
Why does the Crisis Massage Team - RI and the RI CISM TEAM have rules, protocol and procedures?
● The CMT - RI under the direction RI CISM TEAM places professionally trained 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 along side individuals from local, state and federal emergency agencies, i.e., the Red Cross, the National Guard, EMA, 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.
● Adoption of protocols by the CMT - RI will ensure recognition as a competent responding agency that can function in a high stress area and maintain professional standards.
● The CMT - RI will integrate into the fabric of a disaster under the direct request and supervision of the RI CISM TEAM, Inc. The CMT of RI will be familiar with the language of the incident command system and a unified command system. They will also be familiar with the written protocol and mission of the RI CISM TEAM.
What is the personal commitment and benefits afforded individuals who volunteer for the Crisis Massage Team of RI?
● This vital service, provided at a disaster scene, offers members the opportunity of providing stress management in the unique form of chair massage. This can only be done through the talents and generosity of willing, highly trained professional massage therapists. This role, unique to this profession, can bring professional and personal satisfaction while assisting those who benefit from stress management.
What additional professional opportunities are afforded individuals who volunteer for the Crisis Massage Team of RI?
Continued educational opportunities may include
Topics of interest to members such as:
Updates on RI deployments
National and local disaster response initiatives
Annual CPR and first aid re-certification
Annual membership meeting
Chair massage techniques
Contraindications to massage
Ethics