A new partnership between Red Deer Emergency Services and Wounded Warriors Canada will bring mental health support services to first responders.
“Our staff are subject to unique stresses at work on a daily basis, and their mental health and well-being are a top priority for us,” said Ken McMullen, Red Deer EMS chief/manager.
“We are committed to ensuring our staff have the tools they need to build resilience and enhance their mental health as they serve our community. This new partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada will allow us to provide our staff with connections to additional programs that will help them deal with the day-to-day stresses of the job.”
The partnership, which was announced Tuesday, will provide greater access to programs for EMS staff, who provide emergency fire and paramedic services to Red Deerians, and regularly respond to structure fires, vehicle collisions and medical emergencies.
Group therapy, animal assisted therapy and respite care programs will provide support for post-trauma issues. Another program will help staff protect themselves from operational stresses of their daily responsibilities on the job.
Scott Maxwell, Wounded Warriors Canada executive director, said the national mental health charity is “extremely proud” to partner with Red Deer EMS.
“When a first responder is struggling, it doesn’t matter where, when or how their injury occurred. What matters is that members and their families know that we are in this together – working to ensure they receive the mental health support they so rightly deserve,” said Maxwell.
Wounded Warriors Canada’s mission is to honour and support Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, first responders and their families.
For additional information about the programs offered by the organization, visit www.woundedwarriors.ca.
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