SUPPORTING FIRST RESPONDERS Programming that Helps Save Lives
May 2015
Larry White, MDE Director, Career & Professional Programs SFU Lifelong Learning
TOAST AND DEDICATION Since we started work on this program initiative in spring 2014, 49 first responders & 24 military personnel have died by suicide. [source: Tema, 2015] Sadly, in the time it has taken to prepare this presentation, I have had to revise these numbers five times.
The work that we are doing is dedicated to their collective memories, along with those who have gone before and to those who, sadly, will follow. More importantly, it is dedicated to those who are still with us, struggling against mental illness while putting their lives on the line daily to ensure our collective safety and security.
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
AGENDA
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The The The The
need partnership program future
So… let’s get started and set the stage: CTV National News: Mental health emergency
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
THE NEED •
First responders see and experience tragic events every day, sometimes multiple times a day • Witnessing human suffering • Experiencing indescribable loss • Experiencing vicarious trauma
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Aftermath results in images and memories that do not fade with time • Recalling the smells, remembering the sounds, and reliving witnessed events haunt first responders
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Quality of life, especially mental health, begins to suffer • Resulting in addictions, depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, and more
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
THE NEED •
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Trauma-induced mental illness should be considered unacceptable and unsatisfactory in a country like Canada in 2015 • Developing a sense of responsibility toward first responders in support of their needs at times of hidden, personalized and internalized emergencies Cost of mental illness to the Canadian economy exceeds $50B annually [source: CMHC, 2012] • Promoting mental health, preventing mental illness reduces health care costs “Training front-line service providers of all kinds to identify mental health problems and illness early, promote mental health and prevent mental illness and suicide wherever possible.” [source: CMHC, 2012] Absence of formal training across Canada to support first responders who are dealing with mental health issues
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
THE PARTNERSHIP •
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SFU believes that collaboration leads to programs and services that better serve the needs of our communities • “Engaging the World” • Seeking a partner in developing an academic initiative is second nature Tema Conter Memorial Trust was the obvious choice • Advocating on behalf of first responders and awareness of mental health issues since 2001 • Estimates that 8% of Canadians suffer with PTSD • 2-3 times more for first responders [source: Tema, 2014]
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Supporting program development, identifying course authors and experts, recommending instructors, marketing the program Revenue-sharing partnership agreement
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
THE PARTNERSHIP •
Tema supported the creation of and actively contributes toward a nationally-focused program advisory committee • Police • Fire • Paramedic/EMS • 911 contact centres • Military and military families • Veterinary emergency • Psychologists • Clinicians/therapists • First nations • CMHA • Representatives from BC, ON, NS
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
THE PROGRAM •
First Responders Trauma Management • Explain the benefits of good mental health and describe factors that may enhance of hinder good mental health. • Explore how trauma in the workplace impacts mental health. • Explore mental health issues common to first responders. • Overcome the stigma associated with mental health issues. • Describe the importance of families, friendships and other relationships to the mental health of first responders. • Incorporate best practices in personal resilience and stress management that promote good mental health. • Apply best practices that mitigate the impacts of trauma on first responders before, during and after an incident occurs.
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
THE PROGRAM •
First Responders Trauma Management • Diploma anticipated • Fully online • Open enrollment • National scope
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Current status of the program • Finalizing development of program proposal • Curriculum development under way • Seeking approval from Senate Committee on Continuing Studies in fall 2015 • First offering anticipated for early 2016
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
THE PROGRAM Comments from prospective students: •
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“I applaud SFU for taking a lead role in developing this much needed program. I am a PTSD survivor and have been in recovery since 2012. I am hoping to enroll in this much needed curriculum when it becomes available.” “This is such a critical area of learning for us - hoping at some point it can be integrated into everyone's training!” “I like to thank you for proposing this program. Having been a first responder for a number of years, I have experienced traumatic events personally, and I also have knowledge of traumatic events that my colleagues have experienced. I think there are tremendous values to this program, and I again thank you and your institution for proposing this program.” “Simply, I am grateful. This is an answer to personal prayers.”
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
THE FUTURE •
Defining success • An unknown • Doesn’t lead to employment • Taps into a social service need mired in denial as well as vocational and personal stigma
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But one thing we do know is that, if this program helps to save one first responder from taking his/her own life, it will be a national success!
Larry White, Director, Career & Professional Programs
THANK YOU! QUESTIONS?
Larry White Director, Career & Professional Programs SFU Lifelong Learning
[email protected] 778-782-5220
Within every student is a person with a heart, a hope, and a dream. [D. Rowan-Legg, Algonquin College]
