Why Peer Support programs?
Peer support programs are essential for the well-being of organizations, especially in the first responder community. They help members manage the emotional toll of challenging calls, connect practitioners and their families to resources, and foster relationships that build resilience. These programs are key in maintaining psychological and emotional health in a profession often impacted by trauma and stress.
Historically, EMS has overlooked psychological safety, despite the impact of traumatic calls, unsafe scenes, and human suffering. As awareness grows, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of peer support and wellness programs in maintaining healthy practitioners.
Since these programs are often volunteer-run, funding for wellness initiatives can be limited. Through generous donations, EMS Peer Support & Wellness Solutions helps expand and sustain these programs, ensuring they thrive.
Supporting the physical and psychological well-being of our EMS practitioners through 4 main objectives.
(We like to call them the A-B-C-S!)
1) ACKNOWLEDGING THE INDIVIDUAL BEHIND THE UNIFORM
In a profession that involves inherent physical and psychological risks every day, it’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced, chaotic environment. As organizations grow, EMS practitioners can sometimes feel like just another number, losing the sense of being truly seen and valued on a personal level. At EMSPSWS, we make it a priority to recognize and honour each individual, working collaboratively with our partners to create a supportive environment.
We sponsor important life events through our organization’s Peer Support programs. Whether it’s the sudden loss of a loved one, a terminal diagnosis, the death of a child, or the birth of a baby, our sponsorship helps commemorate these pivotal moments in our practitioners’ lives. By doing so, we ensure they are recognized as individuals whose experiences are validated. Each event is thoughtfully acknowledged with a personalized card and gift. The greatest reward for us, however, is receiving messages and photos from these individuals, expressing their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude.
2) BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTION THAT FOSTERS RESILIENCE
Research has shown a strong correlation between an individual’s resilience and their connections to community and positive relationships. This insight is the driving force behind our Community Connection events. Each quarter, we host EMS Staff and Alumni Breakfasts, intentionally creating space to nurture these important relationships. For many paramedics, their life and identity are deeply tied to their profession, and when they retire or transition careers—as many do—they can lose a sense of who they are. Our goal is to help them reconnect with their identity and remind them of their significance. These events offer a wonderful opportunity for camaraderie, meaningful connections, and recognition of our members’ contributions.
3) CREATION OF WELLNESS SPACES SUCH AS ZEN DENS
EMS Peer Support & Wellness Solutions has played a key role in supporting the establishment of the first EMS Zen Den in Alberta. This space provides EMS practitioners with a place to decompress after critical incidents in a warm and welcoming environment. It offers various therapeutic activities, including yoga, meditation, art, and music therapy, allowing practitioners to regulate themselves before, after, or between calls. Each of these modalities is backed by research and offers physiological benefits that support overall health and well-being.
Historically, the physical and, more importantly, the psychological health of EMS practitioners has been neglected, with little attention given to mental health. A recent nationwide study in Canada found that 49% of paramedic participants screened positive for at least one mental health disorder (Carleton et al., 2018). With the rates of PTSI, anxiety, and depression among EMS practitioners being up to five times higher than the general population, it is more evident than ever that prioritizing the health and well-being of our EMS practitioners is crucial. When they take care of themselves, our citizens, communities, and families ultimately benefit.
4) SUPPORT EMS SMALL BUSINESS PLATFORMS
A key factor in career longevity in EMS is having hobbies and interests outside of the profession. These activities allow individuals to express, create, and innovate in various ways. Many EMS practitioners have hidden talents and creative outlets that may be known within their local communities or among their peers. We aim to highlight these incredible talents and raise awareness to support their passions and small businesses. By doing so, we directly contribute to their mental health and well-being, which in turn positively impacts their career longevity.
We prioritize supporting EMS small businesses and hobbyists by showcasing their work at our events.