Paramedicine practitioners are reminded that if you suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), presumptive coverage is available. This is especially timely as a recent report has revealed a spike in suicides among Canadian first responders. Though there are conflicting reports of how many first responders have taken their own lives in past weeks – with no indication that any of the fallen paramedics practice in Alberta – the Alberta College of Paramedics expresses its deepest sympathies to all friends, families and colleagues affected by traumatic psychological injury.

PTSD coverage has been available since 2012

Effective December 10, 2012, first responders who suffer from PTSD became eligible to receive presumptive coverage through the Workers Compensation Board of Alberta. Presumptive coverage means that “if a first responder is diagnosed with PTSD by a physician or a psychologist, it will be assumed to have risen out of and occurred during the course of employment, unless the contrary is proven.” (Source: WCB Fact Sheet: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

If you are injured at work:

1.Tell your employer

2. Tell your health care provider

Your doctor or psychologist will use standard diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose PTSD.

3.Tell WCB.

You can report online by going to WCB for Workers> Quick Online Services for Workers at www.wcb.ab.ca.

Related: WCB Fact Sheet: Traumatic Psychological Injury

Education key to prevention

The College is keenly aware of the traumatic situations which paramedicine practitioners are often exposed to. Education and prevention is integral to mitigating the risk of suicide among our registrants. We will continue to examine ways in which practitioners become trained, educated and prepared to face all realities of paramedicine upon entry-to-practice.