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Introduction

Firefighters, paramedics, emergency dispatchers, and law enforcement officers experience traumas and stressors on the job that are unlike those seen in most other occupations. It’s not surprising, therefore, that recent research has shown that these workers are at higher risk of mental health injuries. The agencies that employ first responders are tasked with how to best support their mental health – from determining appropriate training for first responders and their managers, to sourcing occupationally aware practitioners, to aiding with recovery and hope through peer support. Currently, there are many approaches but no central inventory of resources or best practices that allow for sharing of knowledge, resources, and training across first responder agencies. It is this reality that in December 2015 led to the formation of the B.C. First Responders Mental Health Committee – a multi-agency committee representing labour and management from both urban and rural communities. Chaired by WorkSafeBC, the committee is working collaboratively to provide cross-organizational leadership and recommend practices that promote positive mental health for first responders across the province.

Mission

To eliminate stigma, prevent psychological injury, and create pathways to accessible care for first responders by providing leadership, establishing best practices, fostering community connection, and creating and promoting resources, awareness, and training.

Goals

The goals of the Committee are to:

  • Empower first responder leadership to recognize and support mental health in the workplace
  • Create and promote messaging and strategies in first responder organizations to eliminate stigma and create pathways to accessible care
  • Develop and identify resources for employers, supervisors, workers, and family members to support implementing psychological well-being strategies and programs in first responder workplaces
  • Provide educational opportunities for employers, supervisors, and workers that facilitate connection and include clear calls to action
  • Support research and share best practices and relevant studies that promote and advance psychological well-being among first responders
  • Support allied first responder organizations, including occupationally aware practitioners and treatment providers, to create pathways to accessible care
  • Foster a community of first responders and first responder organizations that champions psychologically healthy and safe workplaces

Members of the Committee

The Committee membership consists of organizations in law enforcement, firefighting, paramedicine, and emergency dispatch, including representatives from both labour/management, paid/volunteer, urban/rural and First Nations:

  • Law enforcement: BC Association of Municipal Chiefs of Police, British Columbia Police Association, Canada Border Services Agency, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
  • Firefighting: BC Wildfire Services, British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia, Greater Vancouver Fire Chiefs’ Association, Volunteer Firefighters Association of BC
  • Paramedicine: Ambulance Paramedics of BC, BC Emergency Health Services
  • Emergency Dispatch: E-Comm 9-1-1, Emergency Communications Professionals of BC
  • First Nations: First Nations Emergency Services Society
  • WorkSafeBC

Contact information

For further information on the Committee, please contact: [email protected].