Local first responders are making mental health a priority amid another trying wildfire season and ahead of World Mental Health Day October 10.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace” say officials with the national Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
It adds, this is especially relevant to firefighters as Alberta has experienced one of its worst wildfire seasons on record, adding pressure and stress to firefighters’ already demanding jobs.
According to CMHA, first responders are at four times greater risk of developing symptoms of psychological disorders, compared to the average population.
Firefighters in the West Country indeed can face more challenges to mental well being than the average person, says John Liadis, fire chief for Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services (CRFRS).
“I would have to concur that first responders are exposed to a much higher than average amount of trauma that would naturally increase in the development of psychological disorders,” says Liadis. “As an organization, we are aware of the increased risk and continue to build on the education and support side of building each firefighter.”
As a strong advocate for supporting and providing education resource opportunities around mental health and work-related stress, Liadis adds CRFRS has an internal Critical Incident Stress Management (CISIM) team of people who take initial training and annual training to maintain skills when it comes to providing peer support.
Other supports such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and outside resources such as Alberta Critical Incident Peer Network (ACIPN) are also available to members to utilize, says Liadis.
On a national level, CMHA officials say the Resilient Minds™ program offered by the organization equips first responders across the country with the tools to navigate difficult situations, manage stress, and build resilience in their daily lives.
While wildfire activity has seen an increased impact to communities across the province and the country, Liadis says Clearwater County is uniquely prepared to fight wildfires in the region.
He says the West Country is fortunate to have only one of two provincial specialist Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) teams that are deployed to provide support not only locally, but have been deployed to other regions – even outside the province.
Liadis admits, it was a very tough year for all firefighters, especially with a line of duty death that occurred in Jasper this summer.
“Losing homes and infrastructure is always tough as every member is passionate on supporting and protecting our community, but the loss of life is one of the hardest things to cope with for all firefighters,” says Liadis.
Click here to learn more about CMHA and the Resilient Minds™.
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