Government committing to support first responders in dealing with traumatic situations
Manitoba is dedicating three mental health workers to ensure first responders across the province will be able to receive mental health support.
The counsellors will be at the service of firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement agents, according to the provincial government.
“First responders are there for Manitobans when they need help the most, and we need to be there for them,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “Firefighters, paramedics, and police officers are exposed to traumatic and sometimes dangerous situations, and we’re committed to making sure they have more support when they need it.”
This is a welcome move from the provincial government, according to the David Pankratz, special envoy for military affairs.
“First responders are there for Manitobans during an emergency and over time, that takes a toll on their mental health,” he said. “The tragic death of Winnipeg firefighter Preston Heinbigner has only highlighted the need for more support for our first responders. I know firsthand how tough being a firefighter and paramedic can be on your mental health. We need to continue to reduce the stigma around post-traumatic stress and remove barriers for people to access support.”
Heinbigner died by suicide on April 9, according to Global News. He had struggled with the trauma he had seen while responding to calls on the job, his friends and family told CBC.
David Pankratz, an NDP MLA and former firefighter, said that first responders’ duties can take a toll on their mental health over time.
"Your courage in the face of such profound loss and your advocacy for better support for the mental and emotional well-being of our first responders remind us that the challenges Preston faced are too common among all who serve on the front lines," Pankratz said in the legislature, according to CBC.
Assigning mental health professionals to first responders is an initial step to improve access to trauma-informed support services for first responders across the province, according to the provincial government.
