Issues surrounding mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, occupational stress and depression are a growing concern among paramedics working in Manitoba — which has prompted the association to offer a course to help its members deal with such issues.
The course, initially developed for the Department of National Defence, focuses on how to cope with stress and how to spot the signs of a problem. It has been adapted for first responders and is now being offered to paramedics in Manitoba for the first time.
Trainers began working on the program in May and paramedics will be able to sign up starting in October.
The Road to Mental Readiness course aims to improve short-term performance and long-term mental health outcomes, provide tools and resources for support, and reduce barriers to care. The $100 course will first be offered at PAM's office in Winnipeg, and expanded to sites in rural Manitoba starting in 2018.
