CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’île-de-Montréal is frequently called upon to intervene during tragic events in parts of its territory where no network services are available. The TULIPES team, which stands for “local urgent tragedy psychological and social intervention” in French, was formed to address this service gap.

In crisis situations like large accidents and trauma, many of our partners including colleges, private seniors’ residences, businesses and community organizations turn to us for support because they lack the resources to respond effectively. Sending out trained responders to deliver psychological first aid provides immediate support, enables quick referrals and helps prevent symptoms from becoming long-term.

These situations may not meet the criteria for a formal emergency response but often leave a strong emotional impact, especially when they involve many victims or young children. This coordinated response ensures timely intervention and helps identify individuals in vulnerable situations.

Guided by best practices, team members from various CIUSSS clinical departments respond in a coordinated way to provide immediate support on the ground. It is not a long-term intervention or a psychological debriefing. A single access point helps assess deployment needs and maintain contact with the requesting partner and department, as well as other people involved like Crime Victims Assistance Centres, police and firefighters.

The TULIPES team responds to the local needs of our community. Its responders maintain a high level of expertise thanks to ongoing training and simulated interventions. Since its creation a year ago, the TULIPES team has carried out around a dozen interventions.

Lead:
Anne Dubé, Assistant Manager, Multidisciplinary Health Services Directorate

Contributors:
Caroline St-Denis, Director of Multidisciplinary Health Services, Santé Québec
Marie-Pier Lehoux, Clinical and Administrative Coordinator – Primary General Services, Professionals in FMGs, Access Points, and Chronic Disease Follow-Up
France Gélinas, Deputy Director, Directorate of Mental Health, Addiction and Homelessness Programs / University Mission, IUSMM
Simon Laliberté, Psychologist, Senior Advisor in Psychology, Directorate of Multidisciplinary Services
Marilyn Currier-Duranceau, Head of Crisis Center and Resolution Team, Directorate of Mental Health, Addiction and Homelessness Programs
Gilles Goyer, Head of General Psychosocial Services (GPS), Head of Psychological First Aid Services (PFA), Lead for the Psychosocial Component in Civil Security Contexts
Sandra D’Autreuil, Director, Directorate of Mental Health, Addiction and Homelessness Programs