New Findings from Paramedic Services Risk Assessment & Root Cause Analysis Project to Inform Future Prevention Efforts for the Paramedic Sector

Learn More

By First Responders, for First Responders: Boots on the Ground Offers Anonymous Peer Support

Learn More

New Research Findings on Risks of Occupational Stress Injury Among Canadian First Responders and Frontline Healthcare Workers

Public Services Health & Safety Association partnered with The Conference Board of Canada to create the Occupational Stress Injury Resiliency (OSIR) Index screening tool, a tool to assess occupational stress injury risks among first responders.

In 2020, 620 individuals in Canada completed the OSIR Index screening tool.

This briefing presents the development of the screening tool, the methodology used, and the research findings.

Learn More

Supporting Canada’s Public Safety Personnel : An Action Plan on Post Traumatic Stress Injuries

Learn More

A PTSD 4 part series called “Exit Wounds” from the Windsor Star featuring an interview with Dr Ruth Lanius about her brain imaging research

The Canadian federal government has provided $11 million to the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) to fund research projects related to post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) in public safety officers.

Invictus Canada Team Captain Overcame PTSD

The former master corporal served in several Canadian Forces regiments, including the Royal Canadian Dragoons, for over 16 years. She did a tour in Bosnia and two in Afghanistan — the last of which saw her witness the deaths of two comrades.
cbc logo

We're not Superman: RCMP Cpl. Trevor O'Keefe mourned following sudden death

The policing community in Newfoundland and Labrador has been rocked by the sudden loss of RCMP Cpl. Trevor O’Keefe, a highly regarded and experienced Mountie who became known throughout the province in recent years after taking on the media relations role.

Retired OPP officer tackles PTSD with a plan

A retired OPP officer is proactively tackling post-traumatic stress disorder for emergency and first responders.
cbc logo

Researchers find significantly higher rate of mental disorders among first responders

Results from Canada’s first national survey looking at operational stress injuries among first responders such as police, paramedics, firefighters and 911 operators suggest they are much more likely to develop a mental disorder than the general population.
cbc logo

RCMP plan to launch study on operational stress, PTSD in Mounties

Canada’s national police force is looking to launch a study into the mental and physiological markers for depression, addictions and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in its officers.

Police officer and ‘strongest man’ to haul NYPD vehicles to support cops with mental health struggles

He’s one of the strongest cops in the world, but he’s struggled with suicidal thoughts.
cbc logo

Mental health first aid course for 'everyone'

Prince Edward Islanders are being offered Mental Health First Aid Canada’s course by St. John Ambulance for the first time next month.

Playing Tetris Can Reduce PTSD Symptoms, Study Says

Playing the computer game Tetris can prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from developing in some individuals after they suffer a traumatic event, according to a new study.

RCMP officer with PTSD hopes to help service dog organization

A dozen years after the fatal shooting of four RCMP officers in Mayerthorpe, one officer is still feeling the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

New police unit focus is officer well-being, PTSD

Waterloo Regional Police have created a wellness unit to ensure the service’s members — officers and civilians — put their psychological well-being first.

Can Yoga Help Treat PTSD?

The U.S. military is beginning to embrace yoga as a means of treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stephanie Lopez, a therapist and meditation trainer, explained at the Global Brain Health and Performance Summit presented by The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center’s Ross Center for Brain Health and Performance.

Imaging reveals how well PTSD patients will respond to psychotherapy, researchers find

A pair of studies led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine demonstrates that scientists can predict, with a high degree of accuracy, which patients with post-traumatic stress disorder will respond to a method of psychotherapy often used to treat the condition.

Running for PTSD #helpingheroes

This year’s 17th Annual Blackfly Run is a special one. Not only because it is the 17th run, on the 17th day of June, in 2017… no it is very special this year, because one of our Wawa Volunteer Firefighters is donning his bunker gear about fifty pounds worth, and running a 10km marathon #helpingheroes; although he does admit that heat will play a role.

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of how signs and symptoms of mental health conditions may present themselves differently in men, and to normalize conversations about mental health issues to reduce the stigma that often prevents men from seeking help.

Men, It’s Okay To Reach Out For Help If You’re Suffering From Depression

They say no man is an island, but when it comes to mental health issues many find themselves in an ocean of their own thoughts, feeling both isolated and unable to reach out for help.
cbc logo

'Bearded Cop' confronts mental health stigma among Ottawa police

For years, Const. Jon Hall thought having flashbacks involving dead bodies was normal.

Living with PTSD: a soldier’s story

It was almost eight years ago that retired corporal Joseph Rustenburg took all the sleeping pills and medication he could get his hands on, drove to a farmer’s field and laid down, hoping for the end.
cbc logo

First responders call for national strategy to tackle PTSD crisis

From Hollywood blockbusters to front-page stories, the image of the tormented veteran unable to transition from war zone to home front is everywhere.

Ontario paramedic service guarding against PTSD

As the mental health of first responders becomes an increasingly important issue, an Ontario paramedic service is looking to those within its own ranks to protect the well-being of its members.

First responders call for national strategy to tackle PTSD crisis

A national strategy should include increased funding for psychological care and workers comp’  for first responders.
cbc logo

Psychiatrist says PTSD treatment for Mounties improving, but not fast enough

‘PTSD is going to be quite widespread within the RCMP and other first-responder organizations’

Help for RCMP officers who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder is improving, but Mark Johnston is urging the force to move more quickly to implement its 2014 mental health strategy.