First responders are often considered heroes in communities across Canada, but recent mental health numbers across some emergency service agencies reveal another side to that story.
A survey of 1,000 police officers conducted by the Canadian Police Association in 2020 revealed that 35 per cent go to work felt mentally “unwell, stressed or burnt out,” while 31 per cent work when physically ill, known as “presenteeism”.
“Members are off work struggling or come to work and are still struggling, which affects the quality of service. It can be reflected through less professionalism or the ability not to cope as they go to call after call with no breaks and no support,” according to the President of the Hamilton Police Association.
Jaimi Bannon, who leads the agency that represents some 1,200 workers with the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) has sought better supports for the mental health of frontline officers.
Hamilton Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe said that the level of trauma experienced by a typical first responder was something not identified by most people. “We respond to things on what is typically people’s worst day. We are involved and we see things that others just don’t see, and it takes its toll.”
Dr Tim Black, Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Victoria and psychologist with Wounded Warriors Canada, says that seeing trauma regularly is the cumulative effect that can begin to wear down a first responder.
However, he points out that those who’ve worked long careers and have been exposed to traumatic events repeatedly can be “really good at their jobs” even though their nervous system is being affected.
“Since they’re very good at what they do, are highly competent and able to continue working, this means they’re continuing to be exposed to the very thing that can hurt them. Then, eventually, the system just collapses,” Dr Black suggests. (Source: Global News)
