first responder wellness
First Responders face myriad unique challenges
These challenges include shifting operational dynamics in terms of how they are required to do their jobs, organizational dynamics in terms of the social and organizational context in which they work, and shifting expectations from society at large.
The dynamic and changing nature of first responder work can create psychological distress. In addition to the above challenges, first responders are at dramatically elevated risk of developing symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the general population.
Family members of first responders also can experience vicarious stressors due to the unique challenges experienced by their first responder loved ones.
services for first responders
Wellness Appointments
Wellness appointments include a review of your work and personal life and any areas of concern. These wellness appointments can also provide a helpful touchstone that gives you an opportunity to examine your current experience to past appointments you have had.
For example, you may notice that your experience of work or personal stress/substance use/relationship dynamics/other challenges has increased or decreased over time.
These appointments can be an opportunity to discuss these changes and clarify areas of focus to move life in a meaningful direction. Wellness appointments can also provide a kind of “ice-breaker” to develop rapport with a clinician and make sure the clinician has baseline knowledge of your concerns in case a need for more frequent appointments develops in the future.
REINTEGRATION/ RETURN TO WORK
Reintegration or return to work can be one of the most meaningful and complicated steps in the recovery process of a first responder. Fortunately, Broadleaf Health has experience working with hundreds of first responders as they navigate the return to work process. While each responder’s situation is different, Broadleaf Health tailors its response to the needs of each particular responder. Key factors that are considered include assessing the reasons that led the responder to be off work initially and the duration of the leave up to that point. We regularly collaborate with employers and WSIB in order to facilitate the most successful positive return to work.
Other SERVICES
If you’re experiencing difficulties related to trauma, substance use, relationships, and other areas, Broadleaf Health provides evidence-based treatments combined with knowledge of first responder culture to aid in recovery from these difficulties.
All Broadleaf Health clinicians are available to work with and provide therapy to first responders who have developed post-traumatic stress disorder in response to traumatic experiences.
Dr. Ekblad is one of a limited number of clinicians in Canada who are approved as both a Clinician and Trainer in Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, by the treatment developer Dr. Edna Foa’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety.
Broadleaf Health has a long-standing commitment to work with first responders
Dr. Ekblad AND OTHER BROADLEAF HEALTH STAFF HAVE participated in numerous “ride alongs“ with first responders in both Canada and the United States.
