Dear Editor,
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur to anyone who has been through a traumatic event, and because not everyone deals with a traumatic event the same way, not everyone will require the same support.
Every day, first responders are faced with a very difficult job. As Alberta’s provider of emergency medical services (EMS), Alberta Health Services (AHS) understands that first responders are exposed, daily, to unique challenges that have real impacts both physically and psychologically.
Whether the responders are EMS, police or fire, the support they need can be unique due to the nature of their jobs. AHS cares for the health of all Albertans, including our first responders, and we are dedicated to making sure help and support is available dependent on needs.
In addition to services offered by first responder organizations, AHS Mental Health Services are available through the Barrhead Health Care Centre, and Addiction Services are based at the Barrhead Administration Building. Anyone can access services at either clinic through self or physician referral.
Healthcare staff are compassionate and dedicated in providing patient centered care and can assess, provisionally diagnose and provide treatment through therapy and support.
When someone is living with PTSD, AHS can support them in a variety of ways and each care plan is different based on a person’s unique needs. Some examples of care that may be provided include working with a multidisciplinary team through supportive/cognitive behavioral counselling, trauma education and counselling and medical management, as is most appropriate for each individual patient. Referral to specialized treatment services, including a psychiatrist, is also coordinated through the Barrhead clinics, if required.
AHS addiction and mental health professionals in Barrhead include addiction counsellors, mental health therapists, an addiction and mental health recovery worker, and a mental health promotion facilitator. Their work is overseen by clinical supervisors with extensive experience and expertise in supporting individuals and families. A visiting psychiatrist provides services for enrolled clients two days per month. Additional services are also available through teleconference or videoconference, connecting patients with specialized addiction and mental health care, if required.
AHS EMS has also developed a comprehensive Critical Incident Stress Management program that provides around the clock peer-to-peer support after traumatic calls. These EMS volunteers are highly trained and are available to support other first responders upon request or during high stress events, such as the Fort McMurray fire in 2015.
In June 2017, AHS Trauma Informed Care online learning tools became available to help our staff increase their knowledge about trauma and the impact it has. The consequences of trauma may be far reaching and can include direct or indirect links to mental illness, addiction, chronic disease, suicide and/or a general decline in health. Local staff have been made aware of this training opportunity, to add to their skills and expertise. It is very important to us that people know we care, we are here to help and we are doing everything we can to support healing.
We would also like to thank all of the first responders in the Barrhead community and across the province for the important work they do, each and every day.
For more information about services and learning tools, visit www.ahs.ca or contact the Barrhead Mental Health clinic at 780-674-8243 or Barrhead Addiction Services at 780-674-8239.
Individuals can also call the Mental Health Helpline at 1- 866-332-2322 or Health Link at 811 to find out what services may be best for them.
Edith Zuidhof-Knoop
Manager, AHS Addiction and Mental Health, Area 5: Westlock,
Barrhead and Onoway
