A DAY OF EDUCATION AND TEAMWORK

Stuart will share how WCB Nova Scotia is evolving its approach to injury prevention and return to work on several fronts in order to more effectively serve First Responders who experience traumatic psychological injury.

For this event, Colleen will be focusing on the cumulative stress of working the frontline, recognizing the impact of this work, and learning how to build resilience and improve one’s overall mental health and wellbeing. The loyalty and commitment of those working the frontlines is fierce. Which is why it is so important to find a healthy balance with work and life, especially with the many experiences/exposures one endures while at work. The cost of caring in the work one does can have a profound effect that may result in compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and/or burnout.

Jamie will speak about his injury, his journey to wellness and recovery, along with the great things he is doing today for those in need. Starting with his coming home from Afghanistan to sharing about his symptoms and what helped him through the journey of recovery. Most importantly Jamie will share how he talked to his kids about PTSD, the book he wrote on PTSD and the non-profit he started called PTSD Buddies. Jamie’s stories will make you cry and also make you laugh. Come on over b’y and have a laugh with Jamie the Newfoundlander.

Paul will be speaking on why a workplace should have a Peer Support Team. Through Paul’s talk you will gain a better understanding of what a Peer Support Team is, who are good Peer Support Team Members and finally how to establish goals for your Peer Support Team.

Deepak’s presentation will give you a different perspective on the abilities of a peer support team. By understanding how your peer support team fits into the National Standard for Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, you will consider your peer supporter as a wellness change agent. We know that one of the best supports our first responders are well-trained peer supporters, join us in taking this to the next level!

The mission of the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) is to support the mental health and well-being of Canada’s public safety personnel, their leaders, and their families through research, treatment, training, and a knowledge mobilization hub. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented workplace circumstances for public safety personnel (PSP). Luke will be discussing how recent research has uncovered that PSP are experiencing high levels of burnout, and symptoms related to PTSD, depression and anxiety, due to their work on the frontlines of the pandemic. Luke will cover an overview of the progress made over the past 4 years in achieving the CIPSRT mission as well as the directions it seeks to advance in the future and provide an overview of the implementation of PSPNET to the Atlantic Provinces.

Michael will be discussing the evolution in recognizing cancer as an occupational hazard, strategies to mitigate exposure through prevention and education of members. Michael will also discuss the recent changes to the recognized presumptive cancer legislation in Nova Scotia linked to firefighting.

PLATINUM SPONSOR