'We are ensuring more first responders learn how to take care of their own mental health and build resiliency'
British Columbia has expanded the coverage of a psychological wellness program to more firefighters in the province.
BC Wildfire Services staff have been given access to the BC Occupational Awareness Training online program since March 1, thanks to the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions’ $300,000 investment over two years, according to the provincial government.
“Firefighters are there for us in the most trying times of our lives and it can take a toll on their own mental health,” said Jennifer Whiteside, minister of mental health and addictions.
“Because they are so used to helping others through high-stress situations, it can be challenging for some first responders to take the time to focus on their own mental health. By supporting this program, we are ensuring more first responders learn how to take care of their own mental health and build resiliency that will help them throughout their careers and lives.”
The program aims to make it easier and more acceptable for firefighters to seek help for mental-health challenges. It also aims to strengthen their resilience and help organizations better identify the kind of support they need.
Recently, Nova Scotia also provided some wellbeing support to volunteer firefighters and volunteer members of ground search and rescue teams.
BC Occupational Awareness Training
Firefighter Occupational Awareness Training is a 12-module program designed to enhance frontline knowledge of mental health injuries and reduce the emotional and behavioural impact of a career in public safety.
The curriculum combines the lived experience of those serving on the frontline with recognized subject matter experts in the field of public safety mental health. After going through each module, participants will participate in a structured group-based discussion that is designed to:
- Reinforce key learning objectives
- Normalize common psychological stress injuries
- Contribute to the collective resilience of each firefighter
Crews will complete each module in-station and on-duty with access to a downloadable workbook that serves to facilitate group discussions.
The BC Municipal Safety Association and First Responder Health administers the BC Occupational Awareness Training online program.
Launched in spring 2023, the online program has been available to all BC fire fighters – full-time, paid on-call, volunteer, fire administrators and dispatchers.
To date, more than 6,660 municipal firefighters have enrolled in the program. The first year of the program focuses on helping firefighters understand mental health, learn how to manage stress and develop self-care strategies.
Under the program, firefighters watch a short video of 10-15 minutes from the series before they participate in a guided crew discussion that is supported by a printable workbook. The videos and workbooks remain available online.
By the end of the first year of the program, course participants will receive a toolkit of “self-rescue” strategies and a clear pathway to accessing occupationally aware healthcare resources in the province.
This program is supported by the BCPFFA, Volunteer Firefighters’ Association of BC, BC Fire Training Officers Association and the Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC.
Previously, Ontario invested $700,000 to equip firefighters in the province with the tools they need to stay physically and mentally safe at work.
Why is mental health support for firefighters important?
“Firefighters are often hesitant to seek help for their mental health due to stigma and shame. This support will make such a positive difference and will remind us that we are not alone,” said Curtis Woodworth, local B.C. firefighter, about the BC Occupational Awareness Training program.
“This program will save lives.”
Jon Bajek, a firefighter in Statesville in North Carolina, US, said that mental health is a critical issue for individuals working in the fire service because these workers are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues – such as PTSD, depression and anxiety – due to the stressful and traumatic nature of their work.
“It is important to provide access to mental health resources and support services, create a culture that supports mental health and wellness, and prioritize self-care to support the mental health and well-being of individuals in the fire service,” he said via LinkedIn. “By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that those who risk their lives to protect others are able to maintain their own mental health and well-being.”
A psychologically safe workplace can significantly reduce attrition in an organization, according to a previous report.
