British Columbia’s firefighters will have expanded access to psychological wellness training to bolster their mental health resiliency, thanks to the BC Occupational Awareness Training online program.
The program, a joint initiative by the BC Municipal Safety Association and First Responder Health, is tailored to help firefighting personnel manage stress and anxiety, addressing the unique challenges faced by those in the line of duty.
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, emphasized the toll that high-stress situations can take on first responders’ mental health. “Firefighters are there for us in the most trying times of our lives,” she said, highlighting the importance of focusing on their own mental well-being.
Since its launch in spring 2023, the program has been accessible to municipal firefighters across the province, with an extension to include BC Wildfire Service staff starting March 1, 2024. The upcoming second phase, introducing 12 new training modules, is set to begin this summer.
Mike Roberts, CEO of the BC Municipal Safety Association, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming expansion. He emphasized the value of preemptive mental health training, which aims to mitigate issues before they escalate, contributing to healthier lives and work environments for firefighters.
Already, over 6,660 municipal firefighters have participated in the program. Its initial year focuses on understanding mental health, stress management, and self-care strategies. It features short educational videos and guided discussions, supplemented by printable workbooks to facilitate crew conversations and ongoing learning.
Todd Schierling, president of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, acknowledged the collective effort to enhance mental health resources. “The safety and well-being of our firefighters are of the utmost importance,” he stated, underlining the commitment to protecting firefighters from mental health issues.
The initiative is part of the Province’s investment of over $1 billion in mental health and addiction services, which includes $586 million specifically allocated for treatment and recovery.
Local firefighter Curtis Woodworth shared his thoughts on the stigma surrounding mental health in the firefighting community, stressing the importance of such programs in fostering a supportive environment. “This program will save lives,” he asserted.
Ministers across various departments have lauded the initiative. Harry Bains, Minister of Labour, highlighted the program’s significance in conjunction with recent changes to workers’ compensation benefits for firefighters facing mental health injuries. Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, commended the program for providing much-needed support to wildland firefighters, acknowledging the physical and mental demands of their job.
With an investment of $300,000 over two years from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, the program aims to destigmatize seeking help, enhance resilience, and enable better organizational support for firefighters facing mental health challenges. This program has garnered support from various firefighter associations across British Columbia, signaling a significant step forward in mental health care for the province’s first responders.