PTSD Day, June 27 - Supporting Paramedics and Their Families

Every day, Frontenac Paramedics respond to emergencies, provide care during difficult moments, and support people through some of the most challenging experiences of their lives. While this work is deeply meaningful, it can also come with significant mental and emotional demands.

This PTSD Awareness Day, we recognize the impact that repeated exposure to trauma can have on paramedics and other public safety personnel. Research involving Canadian paramedics found that more than 41 percent met screening criteria for probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This highlight the importance of ongoing mental health awareness, support, and access to resources.

Supporting mental and emotional wellness is an ongoing commitment at Frontenac Paramedics. We are pleased today to share the launch of a Paramedic and Family Wellness website, a dedicated online resource designed to help Frontenac Paramedics and their families access information, tools, and supports related to mental and emotional health.

The website brings together resources on mental wellness, operational stress injuries, crisis support services, family supports, and strategies for building resilience. Whether you are a paramedic, spouse, partner, family member, or loved one, these resources are intended to help you navigate challenges and support wellbeing.

Other initiatives have been introduced or expanded over the past year to strengthen the supports available to paramedics and their families, including:

  • Updating our Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Policy to align with current best practices.
  • Increasing mental health education and awareness through Professional Development Days (PDD).
  • Continuing the delivery of The Working Mind's Before Operational Stress (BOS) program and preparing for the introduction of BOS-TIL.
  • Piloting our Peer Support Dog Pilot Program.
  • Developing new resources focused on mental health, resilience, and wellness.

PTSD Awareness Day is an opportunity to continue the conversation, reduce stigma, and remind one another that seeking support is a sign of strength. Together, we can continue building a culture that supports mental health, resilience, and wellness for everyone.