Neglect of Critical Support for Emergency Responders in Times of Crisis

In the lovable British Columbia, where I hang my hat, and across the vast expanse of our dear Canada, hearts are heavy. Owing to the heart-wrenching Lapu Lapu Day tragedy that happened on the weekend, we've lost many souls, leaving a trail of grief and sorrow in their wake. The Filipino community, here and abroad, share the ache, as well as our first responders who bravely faced the aftermath.

It's critical that they and their families get the help they desperately need.

At our Okanagan center, catering to first responders grappling with psychological injuries, we've been gearing up for an awareness campaign about the struggles of our emergency workers across Canada, shedding light on the obstacles preventing their healing.

This disaster sadly won't be the one to solve the problems at hand, but it's a crucial time to bring this issue to the forefront of conversation.

Way back in my days working for the public healthcare system, I had the privilege of caring for individuals who had sustained brain injuries. In no time, I noticed something peculiar: we were receiving referrals for stroke survivors who were being treated in mental health centers designed for acute mental illness patients.

As I questioningly asked one of these women what I could do to assist, her response left an indelible mark on me.

"I don't want to be in a place where people hear voices," she said. "I don't belong here."

Later in my career, I discovered that our first responders were facing the same disappointments – cookie-cutter treatment methods that disregarded their unique circumstances and needs. Many of these heroes were sent to addiction programs, regardless of their struggles, and those placed in residential programs often encountered individuals with vastly different experiences.

Over the years, the predicament of our first responders has persisted, with the passage of time doing little to change their fate.

Beyond the distressing scenes that our emergency workers encountered during the incident, let's cast a light on their daily challenges.

Dealing with suicides, neglect, and relentless exposure to unimaginable human suffering, coupled with a constant sense of uncertainty, sleep deprivation, and the expectation that they'll always perform at their best for their colleagues – it's a heavy burden to carry.

A 2018 study found that nearly half of public safety personnel in Canada displayed signs of psychological injuries, compared to only 10% of the general public. More recent research suggests the situation is worsening.

Yet, our injured heroes are frequently sent to treatment that doesn't cater to their needs. Those deemed entitled to residential care often end up in addiction treatment programs, while day programs release them back to their families, who also require healing. During their daily drives to and from these programs, many are haunted by traumatic reminders.

In truth, the lives of our first responders and the general public are very much different, but they're often treated in the same facilities. Tragically, there have been instances where injured employees' treatment was hindered by encounters with criminals they had once investigated.

Following their treatment, injured officers often returned to work without proper reintegration plans and support. A recent study found that many injured Ontario police officers felt that the return-to-work process was geared for bodily injuries, not mental health concerns, and that colleagues with psychological injuries were often belittled as "broken toys." Similar sentiments have been echoed here in B.C.

A decade ago, a federal Standing Committee learned about the importance of ensuring first responders aren't left short-staffed when their injured colleagues are off work. This problem, unfortunately, continues to persist, contributing to the harm both to our first responders and our communities. Although hard data is elusive, it can be found.

A 2021 audit of Ontario Provincial Police found that detachments across the province were increasingly understaffed with front-line officers, with rapidly increasing costs related to officer WSIB claims ($42.7 million in 2020 alone) primarily attributable to post-traumatic stress injuries.

As a result, "despite increasing reported incidents of crime and calls for service," OPP provided 28 per cent fewer patrol hours than in 2017. The more understaffed detachments saw fewer crimes solved.

Similar cost spikes have been observed in Ottawa, where the direct costs of workplace injuries and illnesses for police officers more than doubled between 2015 and 2017, from $2.6 million to $5.4 million.

Likewise, long-term police absences in Halifax surged 259% over a decade, from the equivalent of 21 vacant full-time positions in 2011 to 55 in 2022.

Years ago, the federal government announced an action plan to address the rising problem, acknowledging, "Canada must do a better job of addressing post-traumatic stress injuries and the mental wellness of public safety officers."

Consultations were held, investments made, and progress, though slow, is occurring, even in our beloved province.

But we must strive for better.

Our treatment for first responders should be tailored to their specific needs. It needs to be comprehensive, grounded in evidence, and deeply connected to the unique experiences of these brave men and women.

Treatment providers, employers, and human resources officials must listen and collaborate with the injured workers and their families.

We need to stand by our first responders the way they've stood by all of us. To neglect them is to neglect ourselves.

Derek Sienko is the chief mental health officer and CEO of Diversified Rehabilitation Group in Kelowna, B.C.

Opinion articles are built upon the author's interpretations and judgments about facts, data, and events. For more details click here.

The government must take a closer look at the mental health care provided to our first responders, especially in light of the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy.
In many cases, survivors of stroke and similar brain injuries are being treated in mental health centers not designed for their needs, similar to what first responders face.
Sienko, the chief mental health officer and CEO of Diversified Rehabilitation Group in Kelowna, B.C., emphasizes the need for tailored treatments for first responders, considering their specific circumstances.
It is crucial for treatment providers, employers, and human resources officials to collaborate with injured workers and their families to ensure comprehensive and evidence-based care.
Mental health issues among first responders in Canada are alarmingly high, with nearly half displaying signs of psychological injuries, compared to only 10% of the general public.
The media plays a significant role in bringing this issue to the forefront of conversations, shedding light on the struggles of our emergency workers and the obstacles preventing their healing.
Community support is essential for the healing process of first responders and their families, especially during difficult times like the wake of the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy.
The government's action plan to address post-traumatic stress injuries and the mental wellness of public safety officers is a step in the right direction, but progress needs to be accelerated.
In Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax, increasing cost spikes related to workplace injuries and illnesses for police officers, coupled with long-term absences, have strained the resources of these cities, emphasizing the need for more effective mental health policies for first responders.