British Columbia’s paramedics are in the middle of a mental health emergency. Yet this year, deaths of those on our streets have skyrocketed at an unprecedented pace. Nine members have sadly died, four of them by suicide. This testimony reflects the extreme physical, mental and emotional toll it takes on emergency responders’ lives. They answer about 1 million calls annually.
Like the British Columbia paramedic service, which has seen double digit increases in call volumes over the last year. This increase is a reflection of the increasing need for emergency medical response. As they are asked to respond to a growing number of crises, the mental health burden on paramedics has proven to be especially acute. According to the union representing these workers, there’s an alarming new trend. They show that more than 30 percent of paramedics are currently absent from work due to mental health conditions or undergoing treatment while still working.
Rising Call Volumes and Staffing Challenges
The pressure on B.C.’s paramedics has been increasing, with paramedics responding to almost a million calls last year. This spike in demand for services has greatly added to an already difficult work environment. Ian Tait, the provincial director of the paramedic union, referred to the profession’s increasing danger. He pointed out that it has never been free of anxiety and danger. In the past few years, conditions have drastically worsened.
Adding to these challenges is a staffing crisis that’s left dozens of ambulances on the road without paramedics. This dynamic makes it difficult for them to react with the urgency that’s needed. It furthermore heaps additional strain on the staff that are still around. Tait highlighted that addressing staffing issues is a priority that cannot be overlooked as the demands on paramedics continue to grow.
Impact on Mental Health
The nature of paramedic work is already stressful. These professionals often work in high-stress environments as they help people in moments of crisis. The emotional impact of repeatedly witnessing and experiencing traumatic events can be lethal to their mental wellbeing. Many paramedics have reported feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs, particularly when dealing with complex cases involving unhoused individuals facing mental health issues and addictions.
The union’s worries have resulted in a demand for improved support networks for paramedics. Tait and Jennie Helmer, chief operations officer for BC Emergency Health Services, both know how crucial mental health is to paramedics’ well-being. Their mental wellbeing is important not only for them, but for providing quality care to everyone that they care for. Helmer added that the organization is focused on better resourcing staff as they operate under increased pressure and threats.
A Need for Change
Their story is a microcosm of what’s going wrong in our healthcare system and an example of the dire need for systemic change. The statistics about mental health among paramedics—one in three paramedics suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—are shocking and unacceptable. With many already struggling, the profession’s dangerous nature continues to pose risks to those dedicated to serving British Columbians during their most vulnerable moments.
The union is preparing for those bargaining negotiations in the months leading up. There is a palpable hope for increased paramedic working conditions and mental health supports in the community. What’s most important now is that the union and INVEST stakeholders are doggedly focused on finding a way forward to solve these urgent challenges. A focus on staffing levels and mental health resources may be vital steps toward creating a healthier work environment for paramedics.
