First responder’s links and resources
The constant exposure to trauma and emergencies can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Witnessing tragic events can deeply affect your emotional well-being, leading to difficulties in relationships, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts.
Websites/Resources
BC First Responders Mental Health
Promoting positive mental health, leadership, best practices (resources, awareness, education, training, and supports) for urban and rural first responders and their communities.
First Responders Resources – Justice Institute of BC
Offering vital mental health and wellness resources for public safety workers and students.
BC Fire Fighter Occupational Awareness Training
Free program for BC Wildfire and Fire Fighters (Full-time, paid on-call, volunteer, fire administrators and dispatchers) have free access to this evidence-based training program, delivered online.
PTSD Resource Toolkit – FirstRespondersFirst.ca
Resources for prevention, intervention, recovery, and return to work for first responders, leaders, and employers.
“Sweat it out: the best way to reduce stress buildup”
Article from FIREFighting in Canada. Review of evidence for holistic, high-intensity exercise for prevention and supportive intervention of symptoms of PTSD.
VANFIRE Wellness – Vancouver Fire Rescue Services/ IAFF Local 18
Resources include how to find a counsellor, get support after a bad call, retirement resources, and other mental health supports.
Supporting the First Responder in Your Life
For family/friends of first responders, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) lists lifestyle stressors and how to open a dialogue with your loved one following critical incident stress.
Downloadable Information Sheets
3 Stress and Burnout Prevention Exercises
When identifying stress and burnout, here are some useful, more in-depth exercises from Positive Psychology.
Managing Burnout Cheat Sheet
One-page resource on causes, risk factors, symptoms, impacts, and strategies to cope with burnout.
4 Mindfulness Exercises
Mindfulness is about directing your attention away from thoughts about the past or the future so you can better manage your stress response.
Staying Emotionally Healthy
This 4-page download includes an overview of stress responses, signs of PTSD, and techniques for building emotional resiliency.
Questions for Challenging Thoughts
From PositivePsychology.com, this worksheet contains questions you can use to challenge your distressing, unwanted, or unhelpful thoughts.
Common Reactions to Trauma
Symptoms and behaviours frequently reported by people who have experienced trauma.
Anger Warning Signs
This worksheet invites you to notice how anger can show up before you’re even aware of it.
The 4 Myths of PTSD and First Responders
This 2-page download dispels 4 common myths about how and why PTSD develops and which treatments are effective.
Common Routines of Healthy Individuals
Relatable for first responders:
- Breathing exercises – cardiovascular activities
- Creativity – woodworking & restoration activities
- Healing imagery – music, photography and cooking
- Compassion – volunteering & helping others
- Connecting – spending time with loved ones & friends
- Nature engagement – camping, fishing & hunting
- Physical healing – massage therapy & yoga
- Spiritual – religious practices & setting time aside to experience silence