Study finds almost 30% of female firefighters at high risk of PTSD
A study that assessed over 2,600 firefighters in a large urban fire department found female firefighters to be at high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Firefighter’s suicide “A punch to the gut”
Calling the suicide of an Edmonton firefighter “a punch to the gut”, Fire Chief Ken Block is opening up the dialogue about PTSD and its effects on emergency responders.
Under new rules BC first responders won’t need to prove PTSD is work related
Changes to the BC Workers Compensation Act would designate PTSD and other mental disorders as “presumptive conditions” so firefighters, police officers, paramedics, sheriffs and correctional officers will no longer have to prove their PTSD is job-related.
Residential facility treats firefighters with PTSD
In a unique residential facility in Maryland, firefighters suffering from PTSD, depression, substance abuse and other disorders developed on the job are being treated among their own in a place created to make them feel comfortable opening up about their problems.
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Victoria firefighters required to take PTSD prevention training
Victoria Fire Department has adopted a program developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Vancouver Fire Department that focuses on pre-incident care for its first responders. Drug overdose calls in Victoria have recently increased dramatically.