Ontario Announces New PTSD Strategy for First Responders

Press Release

Province Focuses on Prevention, Reducing Stigma

February 1, 2016 11:30 A.M.

Ontario is putting in place a number of new initiatives to help prevent or mitigate the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders.

Evidence shows that first responders such as police personnel, firefighters and paramedics are at least twice as likely as the general population to suffer from PTSD, due to the risk of routine exposure to traumatic stressors.

The province’s prevention strategy has four major elements:

The creation of a radio and digital campaign aimed at increasing awareness about PTSD amongst first responders, their families and communities and eliminating the stigma that too often prevents those in need from seeking help
An annual leadership summit to be hosted by the Minister of Labour to highlight best practices, recognize leaders, and monitor progress in dealing with PTSD
A free online toolkit with resources on PTSD tailored to meet the needs of employers and each of the first responder sectors
Grants for research that supports the prevention of PTSD.

Ensuring employers have the resources they need to improve mental health supports is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Quick Facts

PTSD involves clinically significant distress and impairment to functioning, and the development of certain types of symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic events. It can include painful flashbacks, nightmares, outbursts, thoughts of suicide and feelings of worry, guilt or sadness.
On March 5, 2015, Ontario hosted the Summit on Work Related Traumatic Mental Stress. The province’s strategy builds on the dialogue and feedback from the Summit.

Additional Resources

Read the report from the Summit on Work-Related Traumatic Mental Stress.

Quotes

“PTSD is a serious and debilitating injury. With appropriate resources and timely treatment, we know it can be prevented or mitigated. We’re acting today to ensure we support effective prevention for Ontario’s first responders. We know the solution lies with a comprehensive approach which includes both preventative and legislative measures. I am proud to share the first piece of our strategy to deal with PTSD in our first responders that will seek to address current gaps and build on existing PTSD prevention activities currently underway across Ontario.”

Kevin Flynn

Minister of Labour

“We have all seen the devastating and far-reaching impacts of PTSD on our first responders – and on their loved ones, friends, and colleagues. We know that prevention must be a key part of any strategy and our government is sending a strong signal today that we have a comprehensive approach to ensure our first responders have the proper supports and resources in place to ensure their physical and mental well-being.”

Yasir Naqvi

Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services