Critical Incident Analysis Group - University of Virginia School of Medicine

The Critical Incident Analysis Group (CIAG) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine conducts rigorous, interdisciplinary research to understand how critical incidents — including violence, terrorism, and mass casualty events — affect individuals, communities, and institutions.

CIAG brings together physicians, social scientists, law enforcement specialists, and public health researchers to study the human and societal dimensions of critical incidents. We generate evidence that informs prevention, response, and recovery — from acts of violence to community trauma — and translate that evidence into practice.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission

To advance knowledge and practice at the intersection of medicine, behavioral science, and public safety through collaborative research on critical incidents, with the goal of reducing harm and building community resilience.

Vision

A world where critical incidents are anticipated before they occur, communities are equipped to respond when they do, and the lessons they yield drive lasting improvements in human safety and well-being.

Values

Honest debate

Rigorous, open inquiry without compromise.

Collaboration

Multi-disciplinary and cross-sector by design.

Evidence-based

Practical solutions grounded in research.

Liberty & security

Protecting the safety and rights of citizens of free nations.

Preparedness

Anticipation is protection. We build the knowledge and tools that allow people to act before harm occurs.

Courage

We engage difficult, politically sensitive, and emotionally demanding subjects honestly and without flinching.

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Focus Areas

Terrorism

CIAG’s Terrorism Program creates a space for open, honest debate on the issues that matter most to homeland security. Its goal is to understand and strengthen the strategies used before, during, and after a crisis. This is done by bringing in members who work on the front lines — including FBI crisis negotiators, state emergency response leaders, and religious leaders who engage with communities that have ties to extremist groups.

Although there is by nature a tension that exists between the business sector, academe and government, it can also be understood as a necessary balance. Indeed, in the post-9-11 world, the business sector has a significant role and responsibility towards energy, infrastructure, finance, communications, medical care and information technology. This input and relationship can facilitate operational strategies that must be developed and employed through collaboration with academe and government.

Toxicology

The University of Virginia’s Medical Toxicology Department is comprised of four components:

The Blue Ridge Poison Center, where nurses and doctors are available by phone 24/7, 365 days a year. It provides free, confidential information and advice on poisoning for the general public and healthcare professionals;
the Center for Clinical Toxicology provides 24-hour physician consult services for patients with complex toxicological problems;
the division’s Medical Toxicology Educationoffers rotation service for medicine and pharmacy fellows and residents;
and the division’s Medical Toxicology Researcharm of the operation performs a broad range of research including clinical, epidemiological, and basic science research.

Behavioral Threat Assessment

Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management is an evidence-based, violence prevention strategy to:

identify and assess whether an individual poses a risk of targeted violence and;
to respond with appropriate prevention steps to reduce the risk.

At UVA, threat assessment and management is a dynamic, multidisciplinary process. The Threat Assessment Team (TAT) attempts to understand a person’s motivation and capability of violence; enhance protective factors; anticipate and minimize triggering events; and protect and support potential targets. TAT, therefore, guides the allocation of University, Medical Center, and community resources in effort to mitigate violence risk. Threat management may occur in parallel with additional outreach or investigation by Threat Assessment Team members.

Critical Incident Cascade & Intervention Framework

Conceptual Premise: A critical incident is not a single event but a cascade of interconnected clinical, psychological, social, and system-level consequences that unfold over time. Failure to intervene early and across sectors leads to compounding harm for patients, families, responders, and communities. The Critical Incident Cascade Framework identifies predictable inflection points where targeted intervention can interrupt downstream deterioration.