Superior North EMS acting chief pleased with province's PTSD campaign plans

The acting chief of Superior North Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Thunder Bay, Ont.said he is happy to see Ontario take steps to address first responders and their families coping withPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Wayne Gates said the move to create an awareness campaign to help people recognize signs of the disorder will be valuable to all involved. He noted the most important facet in dealing with this mental illness is reducing the stigma to allow police officers, firefighters and paramedicsfeel comfortable talking about their experiences openly with friends, family and co-workers.

"You went on that bad call. You saw a terrible thing. It's not the old days of 'suck it up' mentality. It's the 'you know what, that had to be a tough call, let's talk about it.' Don't be afraid to talk about it," Gates said.

• Ontario launches plan to help first responders deal with PTSD

The acting chief told CBC News that Superior North EMS has been working on setting up a peer-support program for PTSD sufferers over the past year.

The campaign launched by the provincial government will include both preventative and legislative measures along with grants to better understand triggers and optimal prevention techniques to treat an illness referred to as serious and debilitating.

Labour Minister Kevin Flynnsaid Ontario will be a leader in dealing withPTSDwith publicly-funded advertisements aimed at reducing the stigma associated with the mental health condition. He noted the fear of being perceived as weak or damaged by seeking help leaves many people suffering in silence.

The provincewill also be looking at how first responders will be covered forPTSDtreatment, said Flynn.