COVID-19 Resources
As the global pandemic continues, it is taking a toll on the mental health of first responders. It’s essential to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. These resources can help first responders and their organizations better understand how the pandemic can impact mental health, and offers suggestions on how to support the mental health of first responders.
BC Emergency Health Services Handbook
BC Emergency Health Services has their handbook through an app and is the official source for their treatment guidelines. In addition, it contains BCEHS-specific operational content and various clinically accepted best practice models for paramedics. The app now has an additional button for COVID-19 and contains best practices for things such as PPE. While this was designed for paramedics, firefighters and police may find this useful. Here are the links to find it in the app store:
Boreal Wellness Centres Public Safety Personnel Support Groups
These support groups will use a curriculum developed by a psychologist and will be conducted via secure video conference. This will allow participants to join from a convenient location while adhering to the social distancing recommendations.
Coronavirus: Managing Stress & Anxiety (Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna)
Tips and information on how to reduce and manage anxiety in the workplace due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Guidance for Peer Support – Checking In With Quarantined and Isolated Members
The International Association of Fire Fighters has produced this guide on creating infrastructure to conduct outreach to quarantined and isolated members and suggestions for what to cover in outreach interactions.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak (World Health Organization)
These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Use as messages targeting different groups to support for mental and psychosocial well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.
Pandemic Influenza Psychosocial Support Plan for Health Care Workers and Providers
The purpose of this document is to outline the non-medical issues and consequences of an influenza pandemic and provide a planning framework for the development of workforce resiliency programs and support strategies to address the psychological and social (psychosocial) needs of HCWP.
