Supporting the Mental Well-being of EMT Partners: A Guide for Partners in Alberta

The life of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Alberta is filled with unique pressures. From busy city streets in Calgary to smaller communities across the province, these first responders deal with stressful, and often traumatic, situations daily. Their work involves seeing human suffering, accidents, and life-or-death choices, putting them at high risk for mental health issues. These can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and general stress. The statistics are concerning and show a clear need for understanding, support, and action.

Mental Health Challenges for EMTs in Alberta

The numbers are clear. Research shows EMTs face mental health problems at much higher rates than the general population. A 2020 study found that the rates of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and general stress among EMS personnel were 11%, 15%, 15%, and 27%, respectively.

In Canada, the situation is just as serious. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction states that Canadian paramedics have “rates of mental disorder symptoms four times higher than the general population”. This shows the intense pressures of the job within Canada’s healthcare system. A study in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry found that 44.5% of Canadian public safety personnel, including paramedics, screened positive for any mental disorder.

In Alberta, the numbers are also high. A survey of over 1,000 emergency services personnel and healthcare workers in the province found that 52.9% showed signs of at least one type of psychological distress. This means over half of these frontline workers in Alberta are facing significant strain. This highlights the importance of addressing mental health support for EMTs, a critical need in the province.

An EMT’s daily experiences contribute to these risks. They often see severe injuries, death, and human suffering. Long and irregular hours, including night shifts, disrupt sleep. EMTs must always be alert and ready for emergencies. The job’s physical demands, like lifting patients, can also take a toll. The emotional effort of managing their own feelings while helping patients and families adds to the stress. These factors create a high risk for mental health problems, and illustrate the urgency of adressing PTSD in first responders.

Why EMTs Hesitate to Seek Help

Even though the need for mental health support for EMTs is high, many in Alberta face barriers to getting care. These barriers often come from cultural issues, personal worries, and practical limits. Understanding these is important for partners who want to help.

One major problem is the stigma around mental health within the first responder culture. This stigma is a major barrier to seeking help. EMTs might worry that admitting to mental health struggles will be seen as weakness or a lack of resilience. They fear being judged by coworkers, supervisors, or family.

Career concerns are also a big issue. EMTs may worry that seeking help could hurt their career. They might fear missing promotions, losing their job, or being seen as unfit for duty. These concerns are common in a job where mental strength is highly valued.

Long shifts, unpredictable schedules, and constant demands make it hard for EMTs to find time for therapy. The nature of emergency work is a significant practical barrier.

Finally, EMTs may worry about the privacy of therapy. They may fear that information shared with a therapist could be shared with their employer or coworkers, leading to negative results. This lack of trust can prevent them from seeking help.

How to Help Your EMT Partner: Supportive Communication

As an EMT’s partner, you can offer support that makes a big difference in their EMT mental well-being. Effective communication can break down barriers, build trust, and encourage your partner to seek help when needed.

Creating a Safe Space: Timing and Environment

Knowing where and when to begin a conversation is very important.

• Privacy: Choose a place where you can talk openly without interruptions. This could be at home, during a quiet walk, or anywhere your partner feels safe.
• Timing: Don’t try to have a serious talk between shifts or when your partner is tired. Find a time when you are both relaxed and have time to talk without feeling rushed.
• Avoid High-Stress Times: Don’t start a conversation right after your partner has had a difficult call. Give them time to relax first.

Active Listening: Hearing Beyond the Words

• Full Attention: Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and make eye contact. Show your partner you are fully present.
• Listen Without Interrupting: Let your partner speak without interrupting. Give them space to express themselves.
• Reflect and Summarize: Occasionally, repeat back what you’ve heard. Say things like, “It sounds like you’re feeling…” or “So, what I’m hearing is…“.
• Nonverbal Cues: Pay attention to your partner’s body language, tone, and facial expressions. These can show their emotional state.

Empathy and Validation: Acknowledging Their Reality

Showing compassion is very important.

• Acknowledge Feelings: Validate your partner’s emotions. Say things like, “That sounds very difficult,” or “I can see why you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
• Avoid Minimizing: Don’t downplay their experiences or tell them to “just get over it.” Their feelings are real.
• Express Empathy: Try to imagine what they might be going through. Say things like, “I can only imagine how tough that must be,” or “It makes sense that you’re feeling this way.”

Non-Judgmental Support: Creating a Safe Zone

• Avoid Blame: Frame the conversation in a supportive way. Focus on your concern for their well-being, not on criticizing their coping methods.
• Use “I” Statements: Express your feelings without placing blame. For example, say “I’m worried about you because I’ve noticed…” instead of “You’re always so stressed out.”
• Unconditional Love: Let your partner know you love and support them. Remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Open-Ended Inquiry: Encouraging Sharing

Ask questions to help them talk.

• Avoid Yes/No Questions: Instead of asking, “Are you okay?”, ask questions like, “How are you feeling about work lately?” or “What’s been on your mind?“.
• Encourage Details: If your partner gives a short answer, gently encourage them to say more. You can say, “Tell me more about that,” or “Can you give me an example?“.
• Be Patient: Don’t expect your partner to open up right away. It may take time.

Normalizing Professional Help: Destigmatizing Therapy

• Share Information: Give your partner information about mental health resources and therapy.
• Help with Logistics: Offer to help them find a therapist, schedule appointments, or arrange transportation.
• Share Experiences (If Applicable): If you have experience with therapy, share your positive experiences (if you feel comfortable). This can help normalize seeking help.
• Reiterate Confidentiality: Remind your partner that therapy is private and their employer will not be told without their consent (except in cases involving risk of harm).

Reinforcing Support: A Constant Reminder

Always be supportive.

• Express Love: Regularly reassure your partner of your love and support. Let them know you are there for them.
• Be a Source of Stability: Provide stability and normalcy. Maintain routines and create a supportive home.
• Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate their progress, no matter how small.

Resources and Support Networks in Canada and Alberta

Finding mental health services can be hard, but many resources in Canada, and especially in Alberta, support EMTs and their families. These resources offer a range of options to address barriers to mental health for EMTS.

National Resources:

• The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): (https://cmha.ca/) This nationwide organization provides mental health services, support programs, and resources. They have branches in every province and territory.
• The Tema Conter Memorial Trust: (https://www.tema.ca/) This organization supports the mental health of first responders, including EMTs, and their families. They provide resources, education, and peer support.
• Wounded Warriors Canada: (https://woundedwarriors.ca/) This organization offers mental health programs for veterans and first responders. Their programs address PTSD, trauma, and stress injuries.
• Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566. This national hotline provides immediate support to people in distress.

Alberta-Specific Resources:

• Alberta Health Services - Addiction & Mental Health: (Alberta Health Services) This is the provincial health authority’s mental health and addiction services branch. They provide services across Alberta, including counseling, therapy, and crisis intervention.
• Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642. This 24/7 confidential helpline provides support, information, and referrals to mental health services in Alberta.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Most EMT services in Alberta offer EAPs, which provide confidential counseling and support to employees and their families. Check with your partner’s employer for details.

The Role of EMT Culture and Leadership

The culture within EMT organizations and the leadership’s approach play a big role in the mental well-being of EMTs. A supportive environment can make a difference in whether EMTs feel comfortable seeking help.

The work environment is crucial. A culture that prioritizes psychological safety is essential. A study found that Organizational commitment to psychological safety, where public safety personnel can express emotions and concerns without fear of negative consequences, facilitates willingness to access mental health care services.

Leadership sets the tone. Leaders can foster a culture of support by:

• Leading by Example: Openly discussing their own mental health, if comfortable, can help destigmatize seeking help.
• Promoting Awareness: Regularly communicating about mental health, providing resources, and encouraging open conversations.
• Implementing Policies: Developing policies that prioritize mental health, such as providing access to mental health professionals and offering debriefing after critical incidents.
• Providing Training: Offering mental health training to all EMTs, including recognizing signs of distress, stress management, and communication skills.

Mental health training, peer support programs, and easy access to mental health professionals can improve organizational culture.

Actions and Phrases to Avoid

When supporting your EMT partner, certain actions and phrases can unintentionally cause harm.

Do not downplay the EMT’s experiences. Avoid phrases like “toughen up” or “get over it.” These statements invalidate their feelings.

Do not provide advice unless asked. Unless your partner asks for advice, don’t offer suggestions on how they should handle their stress.

Do not pressure them to seek help. While encouraging your partner to seek help is important, avoid pushing them too hard.

Maintain their privacy. Never share information about your partner’s therapy or struggles without their consent.

Legal and Ethical Landscape in Canada and Alberta

In Canada, and specifically in Alberta, laws and ethics govern mental health care, ensuring privacy, protecting rights, and outlining responsibilities.

Confidentiality:

Mental health professionals are bound by strict confidentiality rules. Information shared during therapy cannot be disclosed without the EMT’s written consent. Exceptions include:

• Risk of Harm: If an EMT expresses a clear intention to harm themselves or others, the professional must report this.
• Child Abuse: If an EMT discloses child abuse, the professional must report it.
• Court Order: In rare cases, a court may order the release of records.

Duty to Report (Alberta-Specific):

In Alberta, the Health Professions Act governs health professionals.

The Alberta College of Paramedics regulates EMTs in Alberta. It sets standards and a code of ethics.

While a mental health condition doesn’t automatically trigger a duty to report, if it impairs an EMT’s ability to practice safely, there may be a duty to report to the Alberta College of Paramedics. However, seeking treatment and managing a condition is viewed positively.

Therapies for EMTs

Various therapies are effective in treating mental health conditions common in EMTs. One such therapy includes exploring effective PTSD treatments that have shown promise in helping first responders.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT is a widely used therapy for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

EMDR is a therapy primarily used to treat PTSD. It involves processing traumatic memories through guided eye movements.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE):

PE is another treatment for PTSD. It involves gradually exposing individuals to trauma-related memories in a safe environment.

Group Therapy:

Group therapy provides a supportive environment for EMTs to share experiences and connect with others.

All of these therapies are likely to be helpful. Trauma-informed therapies are relevant for EMTs, as they acknowledge the impact of trauma.

Creating a Supportive Environment: Best Practice Approaches

Building a supportive environment involves a holistic approach.

1. Foster Unrestricted Dialogue:

Regularly talk openly about mental health. Create a safe space for your partner to discuss feelings without judgment.

2. Validate and Show Compassion:

Listen to your partner’s experiences and acknowledge their emotions.

3. Increase Your Knowledge:

Educate yourself about the stressors EMTs face and the signs of mental health conditions. This will help you understand your partner and provide better support, including understanding treatment options for PTSD.

4. Participate in Activities Together:

Make time for shared activities that promote relaxation and connection.

5. Promote Access to Resources:

Encourage your partner to seek professional help and offer practical assistance. Understanding resources for Alberta EMTs can make a difference.

6. Practice Self-Care (for Yourself):

Supporting a partner with mental health challenges is demanding. Prioritize your own well-being.

7. Make Mental Health Normal:

Reduce stigma by having open discussions about stress and seeking support.

8. Enable EMT Self-Care:

Encourage activities that help your partner manage stress.

By working together, understanding the challenges, communicating effectively, and accessing resources, partners of EMTs can play a crucial role in supporting the mental well-being of these first responders. Creating a supportive home, promoting open communication, and encouraging professional help can significantly impact an EMT’s ability to cope with stress and live a healthy life. If you are struggling, reach out to Responders First for guidance and support. We are here to help you and your partner navigate these challenges.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.