Local Heroes Support Program

Shane Saltzman
Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Centres

First Responders are there when we need them, facing situations that are unimaginable to most of us. These heroes put their lives and emotional wellbeing on the line for our collective benefit, and far too many are suffering without support. At Trafalgar, we are committed to assisting those in the First Responder community, and we hope the Local Heroes Support Program provides help to some and increases the dialogue on this important and urgent issue.

Bryan Stevens
Retired Frontline Service Veteran and Founder Frontline Forward

I’m a retired 30 year Frontline Service Veteran who served the people of Ontario as a Paramedic. I was one of the highest trained, educated, and certified paramedics Canada has to offer. I was a Critical Flight Paramedic who worked on board the helicopter based out of London, Ontario. With the level of training I had it was my duty and responsibility to take care of the worst trauma patients, and the most complicated medical patients of all ages. During my career I have responded to approximately 10,000 calls. That equates to being exposed to a major traumatic event every other day for 3 decades. In 2015, I was diagnosed with complex PTSD that required almost 18 months of psychotherapy treatment. I have experienced STD/LTD, and WSIB support, and from that experience and exposure I’m very aware of the HOLES in the support network and how our First Responders and Military Personnel are being left behind. This community is “screaming in silence” for easier access and support to treatment centres for the early detection, and on going support for Mental Health Stress related injuries.

A. Jardin
First Responder

Being off work due to complex PTSD, depression and chronic pain, after a successful career of serving the city that I once loved and grew to hate because I saw so much horrific things. I had lost faith in humanity, felt abandoned by my employer and had lost hope in myself, of ever being able to return to society. Trafalgar Addiction Treatment Center was truly my last attempt to create a new life. I can honestly say the infrastructure of support is set up for you to be successful. With a slew of professional doctors, psychiatrist and psychotherapist all working together to ensure my success combined with nurturing counselors and amazing food. It was truly the first time in years that I felt hopeful. I am truly grateful for the entire staff and for my stay at Trafalgar. I am proud to say I no longer see my future as a dark place, rather as an opportunity to recreate myself in a new way.

Steven D.
First Responder

Initially reaching out for help was challenging, due to the stigma that is held by many officers about the need to keep feelings bottled up. Navigating the system to find a program to help me has been challenging. I met a psychiatrist after seeking help for alcohol withdrawal, this proved to be a great support. Eventually I was directed to a treatment centre that had a waitlist up to 6 months and when that facility was contacted, they stated that they lost my file, which resulted in me waiting longer. I attended two 12 step-based facilities. I found it did not help me and the issues I was looking to address. PTSD groups were large groups that created an uncomfortable environment for me and I was unable to share my pain in safe way. I have known 9 officers who have ended their lives and I am hoping that this scary trend will stop. There is a need to have quicker access and smaller groups that address the needs of First Responders.

Staff Sergeant Wendy Sims
Organizational Wellness Unit Peel Regional Police

Usually, when a First Responder is reaching out for help, it is most often at a time when they are already in a very dark place. It is usually at a time when they realize they can no longer cope without help. Access into a treatment program and access to psychologists in a timely fashion is imperative for successful recovery and continued resilience in their overall mental health and well-being. Admission processes, wait lists for publicly funded beds, and even WSIB case reviews can take considerable time, and can sometimes be too late when a First Responder is in crisis.