Firefighters want to see more preventive measures to help protect them from PTSD. (Courtesy Lee-Anne Carver)
Firefighters in the district would like to see more help from the province, when it comes to mental health and wellness. Kenora fire chief Todd Skene says departments across the province are seeing a sharp increase in the rates of PTSD, and they'd like Queen's Park to invest more in prevention.
Skene is asking Queen's Park for help with training and equipment. Since the college for training firefighters is in southern Ontario, with a northern campus in Thunder Bay, it's difficult for fire crews to get the latest in professional development. Skene also wants to see the grant program for firetrucks amended, so it's the same as transit buses or recycle trucks.
Skene was also presenting on behalf of the district mutual aid and the provincial fire chiefs association.
Link to original article on kenoraonline.com: Sharp increase in PTSD, fire chiefs