BC FIRE FIGHTER RESILIENCY PROGRAM

In May 2015, the British Columbia Provincial Firefighters Association (BCPFFA) created a Task Force that brought together various fire service leaders and mental health professionals. The purpose of this group was to address the mental health issues that have become an epidemic for first responders countrywide. Although the BCPFFA recognizes a need for improvement in all first responder agencies, the primary focus was on firefighters.

Through discussion, surveys, and expertise from the group, they identified six areas that needed improvement: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Education, Mental Health Injury Awareness, WorkSafe BC (WSBC), Family Support and Spirituality.