Ontario launches plan to help first responders deal with PTSD

Ontario is launching a plan to help first respondersdeal with the impact of post traumatic stress disorder, which thegovernment calls a serious and debilitating injury.

Labour Minister Kevin Flynn says the stress and danger faced bypolice, firefighters and paramedicscan have a lasting andserious effect not only on their physical health, but their mental
health as well.

Flynn says Ontario will be a leader in helping them deal withPTSD with an approach that will include both preventative andlegislative measures, as well as grants to better understandtriggers and optimal prevention techniques.

The province will launch a public advertising campaign toincrease awareness of PTSD and reduce the stigma association withit, which the labour minister calls one of the biggest challenges inhindering effective treatment.

Flynn says the fear of being perceived as weak or damaged leavestoo many to suffer alone, so he wants people to talk openly about itto support and educate one another.

He says the government is looking at coverage for first responders with PTSD under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act,promises legislation in the very near future to help those withwork-related PTSD injuries.