Session resources

June 19, 2024: Barriers to return to work

Didactic presentation: Barriers to return to work
In this presentation, Dr. Megan Edgelow and Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd describe common barriers to return to work (RTW) for public safety personnel (PSP), recognize how barriers can be modified, and explain how employers and healthcare practitioners can work collaboratively to support PSP to RTW.
Couple Hopes
Couples HOPES is an online guided self-help intervention for couples including a partner with PTSD symptoms to improve PTSD and enhance relationship functioning. Source: IMPACT Lab, Toronto Metropolitan University
Couple Therapy for PTSD: Provider Roster
A roster of therapists who provide support for couples with PTSD. Source: Couple Therapy for PTSD
Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday (COPE)
The Wounded Warriors Canada COPE program is Canada’s leading couples-based trauma program for Veterans and First Responders affected by Operational Stress Injuries (OSI). COPE is delivered nationally in English and French and is open to all Canadian veterans and first responders and their spouse/partner. This includes currently serving and retired/released veterans as well as RCMP, Police, Fire, EMS and Corrections services. Source: Wounded Warriors

June 12, 2024: The role of Occupational Therapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Didactic presentation: The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
In this presentation, Dr. Megan Edgelow discusses occupational therapy (OT) practice with public safety personnel (PSP) who have PTSD and how occupational therapists and other healthcare practitioners can collaboratively support PSP to return to work.
Download the PDF(954.53 KB)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a unique approach to psychotherapy. ART is unique because the ART Therapist guides the client to replace the negative images in the mind that cause the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress with positive images of the client’s choosing. Source: Rosenzweig Center for Rapid Recovery
Badge of Life Canada
Badge of Life Canada supports Canadian public safety personnel by offering a safe, confidential place where members in crisis can turn for immediate information that can provide hope, growth and recovery to those members who are suffering an operational stress injury, including post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and addictions; with access to counselling, including suicide prevention counselling, information and group support programs. Source: Badge of Life Canada
Boots on the Ground
Boots On The Ground is an anonymous helpline providing confidential and anonymous peer support to First Responders across the province, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a charitable organization completely run and staffed by volunteers. Source: Boots on the Ground
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)
The CAPS is the gold standard in PTSD assessment. The CAPS-5 is a 30-item structured interview that can be used to make current (past month) diagnosis of PTSD, lifetime diagnosis of PTSD, and assess PTSD symptoms over the past week. Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs
Cognitive Processing Therapy
CPT is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps patients learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. Source: American Psychological Association
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
A structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Source: American Psychological Association
FD/FR family: Functional disconnection and reconnection in public safety personnel families
Duffy, H., McElheran, M., Stelnicki, A., & Schwartz, K. D. (2024). FD/FR family: Functional disconnection and reconnection in public safety personnel families. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 1–11. Source: Wiley Online Library
Functional disconnection and reconnection: an alternative strategy to stoicism in public safety personnel
McElheran, M., & Stelnicki, A. M. (2021). Functional disconnection and reconnection: an alternative strategy to stoicism in public safety personnel.
European journal of psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1869399. Source: PubMed Central
Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5)
The Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5) is a self-report measure designed to screen for potentially traumatic events in a respondent's lifetime. The LEC-5 assesses exposure to 16 events known to potentially result in PTSD or distress and includes one additional item assessing any other extraordinarily stressful event not captured in the first 16 items. Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged exposure teaches individuals to gradually approach their trauma-related memories, feelings and situations. They presumably learn that trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided. Source: American Psychological Association
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
The PCL-5 is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs
Reintegration Programs: Innovations and Future Directions
Re-integration programs are designed to assist members of first responder agencies as they strive to return to the normalcy of work after impactful critical incidents, an extended leave of absence from work, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other psychological injuries. Source: Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
The WSIB provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to help people get back to work after a work-related injury or illness. Source: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
Wounded Warriors Canada
Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) is a national mental health service provider dedicated to serving Trauma Exposed Organizations, Trauma Exposed Professionals, and their families. WWC specializes in providing culturally informed services that utilize a combination of education, counselling, and training approaches to support resiliency and recovery from post-trauma injuries. Source: Wounded Warriors Canada
WSIB Form 6
Workers Report of Injury/Disease. Source: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

June 5, 2024: Overview of evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Didactic presentation: Overview of evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder
In this presentation, Dr. Megan McElheran discusses current therapeutic interventions for PTSD that have empirical support, the degrees of evidence supporting the therapeutic interventions for PTSD, ways to adapt manualized treatments to address clinical complexities that present with PSP.
Download the PDF(679.43 KB)
A primary care "friendly" cognitive behavioral insomnia therapy
Edinger JD, Sampson WS. A primary care "friendly" cognitive behavioral insomnia therapy. Sleep. 2003 Mar 15;26(2):177-82. doi: 10.1093/sleep/26.2.177. Source: PubMed
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A Primer
Walker J, Muench A, Perlis ML, Vargas I. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A Primer. Klin Spec Psihol. 2022;11(2):123-137. doi: 10.17759/cpse.2022110208. Source: PubMed
Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep: Solutions to Insomnia for Those with Depression, Anxiety, or Chronic Pain
Carney, C.E. & Manber, R. (2009). Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep: Solutions to Insomnia for Those with Depression, Anxiety, or Chronic Pain. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger. Source: New Harbinger Publications
Sleep 101
Given the increased understanding of the importance of sleep to both mental and physical health, the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) has partnered with Dr. Colleen Carney, the Director of the Sleep and Depression Laboratory at Toronto Metropolitan University, to develop a sleep course specifically for PSP. Source: CIPSRT
Sleep 101: Toolkit for public safety personnel
A toolkit for public safety personnel on sleep from the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment Source: CIPSRT

May 29, 2024: Overview of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) 2

A guide to guidelines for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in adults: An update
Hamblen JL, Norman SB, Sonis JH, Phelps AJ, Bisson JI, Nunes VD, Megnin-Viggars O, Forbes D, Riggs DS, Schnurr PP. A guide to guidelines for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder in adults: An update. Psychotherapy (Chic). 2019 Sep;56(3):359-373. Source: National Centre for PTSD
A Meta-Analysis for the Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in Alleviating PTSD Symptoms
Rotaru TȘ, Rusu A. A Meta-Analysis for the Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in Alleviating PTSD Symptoms. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2016;64(1):116-36. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2015.1099406. Source: PubMed
A Meta-Analysis of Hypnotherapeutic Techniques in the Treatment of PTSD Symptoms
O'Toole SK, Solomon SL, Bergdahl SA. A Meta-Analysis of Hypnotherapeutic Techniques in the Treatment of PTSD Symptoms. J Trauma Stress. 2016 Feb;29(1):97-100. doi: 10.1002/jts.22077. Source: PubMed
A primary care "friendly" cognitive behavioral insomnia therapy
Edinger JD, Sampson WS. A primary care "friendly" cognitive behavioral insomnia therapy. Sleep. 2003 Mar 15;26(2):177-82. doi: 10.1093/sleep/26.2.177. Source: PubMed
Aerobic exercise in the treatment of PTSD: An examination of preclinical and clinical laboratory findings, potential mechanisms, clinical implications, and future directions
Aerobic exercise in the treatment of PTSD: An examination of preclinical and clinical laboratory findings, potential mechanisms, clinical implications, and future directions (2023). Kevin M Crombie, Tom G Adams , Joseph E Dunsmoor, Benjamin N Greenwood, Jasper A Smits, Charles B Nemeroff, Josh M Cisler. DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102680. Source: ScienceDirect
Aerobic Exercise Reduces Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Aerobic Exercise Reduces Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Mathew G Fetzner, Gordon J G Asmundson (2015). Source: Taylor and Francis
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A Primer
Walker J, Muench A, Perlis ML, Vargas I. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A Primer. Klin Spec Psihol. 2022;11(2):123-137. doi: 10.17759/cpse.2022110208. Source: PubMed
Exercise Intervention in PTSD: A Narrative Review and Rationale for Implementation
Exercise Intervention in PTSD: A Narrative Review and Rationale for Implementation (2019). Nicole J Hegberg, Jasmeet P Hayes, Scott M Hayes. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00133. Source: Frontiers
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Theoretical Model of the Hyperarousal Subtype
Weston CS. Posttraumatic stress disorder: a theoretical model of the hyperarousal subtype. Front Psychiatry. 2014 Apr 4;5:37. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00037. Source: PubMed
Psychosocial treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: a practice-friendly review of outcome research
Solomon SD, Johnson DM. Psychosocial treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: a practice-friendly review of outcome research. J Clin Psychol. 2002 Aug;58(8):947-59. doi: 10.1002/jclp.10069. Source: PubMed
Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep: Solutions to Insomnia for Those with Depression, Anxiety, or Chronic Pain
Carney, C.E. & Manber, R. (2009). Quiet Your Mind and Get to Sleep: Solutions to Insomnia for Those with Depression, Anxiety, or Chronic Pain. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger. Source: New Harbinger Publications
Sleep 101
Given the increased understanding of the importance of sleep to both mental and physical health, the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) has partnered with Dr. Colleen Carney, the Director of the Sleep and Depression Laboratory at Toronto Metropolitan University, to develop a sleep course specifically for PSP. Source: CIPSRT
Sleep 101: Toolkit for public safety personnel
A toolkit for public safety personnel on sleep from the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment Source: CIPSRT
Somatic experiencing - effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: a scoping literature review
Kuhfuß M, Maldei T, Hetmanek A, Baumann N. Somatic experiencing - effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: a scoping literature review. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2021 Jul 12;12(1):1929023. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1929023. Source: PubMed
The Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP)
In 2000, Dr. Michael Sullivan developed the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP), a standardized risk-targeted behavioural activation intervention designed to reduce psychosocial risk factors for delayed recovery. PGAP was the first intervention to focus on the reduction of pain-related psychosocial risk factors as a means of promoting recovery following musculoskeletal injury. Source: McGill University
The Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP®)
The PGAP is an empirically supported intervention that has been shown to reduce disability and contribute to successful return-to-work in individuals suffering from a wide range of debilitating health and mental health conditions. Source: PGAPWorks
What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy explores how the body expresses deeply painful experiences, applying mind-body healing to aid with trauma recovery. Source: Harvard Health Publishing

May 22, 2024: Overview of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) 1

Badge of Life Canada
Badge of Life Canada supports Canadian public safety personnel by offering a safe, confidential place where members in crisis can turn for immediate information that can provide hope, growth and recovery to those members who are suffering an operational stress injury, including post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and addictions; with access to counselling, including suicide prevention counselling, information and group support programs. Source: Badge of Life
Feasibility Evaluation Checklist
The Feasibility Evaluation Checklist (FEC) is a vocational observation tool that evaluates an individual’s performance in work skills and behaviors that have been identified as important in returning to work for people with cognitive or physical disabilities. Source: EpicRehab
Readiness Ruler
This exercise utilizes a strategy for assessing motivation to change behavior. It stems from research on Motivational Interviewing, and is a powerful methods for moving people along the continuum of becoming ready to change. Source: Envisia Learning
The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)
The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure is an evidence-based outcome measure designed to capture a client’s self-perception of performance in everyday living, over time. Originally published in 1991, it is used in over 40 countries and has been translated into more than 35 languages. Source: COPM
Wings of Change Peer Support
Wings of Change - Peer Support facilitates peer-led, confidential, solution-based discussions addressing operational stress injuries and mental health challenges that public safety personnel and frontline workers may encounter. We explore how these challenges impact them and their families and follow the Mental Health Commission of Canada's Peer Support Guidelines. Source: Wings of Change

May 15, 2024: Organizational factors and public safety personnel mental health

Didactic presentation: Organizational factors and public safety personnel mental health
In this presentation, Dr. Megan Edgelow describes organizational factors and their impact on PSP mental health and how to recognize which organizational factors can be modified.
Download the PDF(678.87 KB)

May 8, 2024: Public safety personnel family and community supports

Didactic presentation: PSP family and community supports
In this presentation, Dr. Tim Black discusses the impacts that public safety personnel (PSP) service has on PSP family members, differentiates between the needs of support services for PSP members and that of PSP families, and identifies resources that are available for PSP and their families.
Download the PDF(214.77 KB)
Al-Anon Family Groups
Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives. It is not group therapy and is not led by a counselor or therapist. This support network complements and supports professional treatment. Source: Al-Anon Family Group
Alateen
Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Many Alateen groups meet at the same time and location as an Al-Anon group. Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers. Alateen is not a program for young people seeking sobriety. Source: Al-Anon Family Group
PSPNET Families
With funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada, PSPNET Families is a collaboration between PSPNET, the Families Matter Research Group at Queen’s University, and the Child Trauma Research Centre at the University of Regina. Source: PSPNET Families

May 1, 2024: PSP Workplace Culture and Context Considerations for Return to Work

Didactic presentation: PSP workplace culture and context considerations for return to work
In this presentation, Tanya Morose discusses the unique factors of each PSP discipline to consider when determining a stay at work or return to work plan and understand elements of a prevention-based approach to psychological health and safety and worker wellbeing.
Download the PDF(768.26 KB)
Canadian Centre for Men and Families
The Canadian Centre for Men and Families is an open, inclusive and safe space, providing therapy and counselling, peer support, a legal clinic, fathering programs, mentorship and support services for male victims of trauma and violence. In addition to delivering front-line programs and services to families in crisis, we undertake evidence-based research, host public education and awareness activities, and work to improve public policies to better support all Canadians.
Source: CCMF
Institutional betrayal/sanctuary trauma
A definition of institutional betrayal/sanctuary trauma from the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT)
Source: CIPSRT

April 24, 2024: Common mental health presentations in public safety personnel (PSP)

Didactic presentation: Common mental health presentations in public safety personnel (PSP)
In this presentation, Dr. Nadia Aleem discusses how to identify the most common mental health concerns that PSP may present with in healthcare settings and create a framework to distinguish the type and level of care that may be best suited to the PSP seen in treatment.
Download the PDF(458.72 KB)
CAMS-care
Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) is an assessment and treatment framework for suicidal patients that has been repeatedly proven to be effective in multiple randomized controlled clinical trials around the world in reducing suicidal ideation and increasing hope.

April 17, 2024: The role of peer support in prevention, recovery and return to work

Didactic presentation: The Role of Peer Support in Prevention, Recovery and Return to Work
In this presentation, Staff Sergeant Beth Milliard, PhD, discusses the difference between formal and informal peer support for PSP, the goals of peer support for PSP, and the desired characteristics of a peer supporter for PSP.
Download the PDF(252.35 KB)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps patients learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma.
The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)
The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure is an evidence-based outcome measure designed to capture a client’s self-perception of performance in everyday living, over time. Originally published in 1991, it is used in over 40 countries and has been translated into more than 35 languages. Source: COMP

April 10, 2024: Overview of the complexities of operational stress injuries among public safety personnel (PSP)

Didactic presentation: Overview of the complexities of operational stress injuries among public safety personnel (PSP)
In this presentation, Dr. Elizabeth Donnelly discusses factors which might influence the development of an Operational Stress Injury (OSI) among PSP and how systems influence the well-being of PSP
Download the PDF(505.75 KB)
Organizations that support PSP with a social media presence
A list of organizations that support PSP with a social media presence provided by ECHO PSP Hub members. We will add more organizations as we become aware of them.
Family First Responder
Piloting a virtually-delivered psychoeducation and support program - called Building Families - for spouses/partners of police, fire, and paramedic members. Funded by Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment and Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIPSRT/CIHR). Source: Family First Responder
HMI auricular trauma protocol: An acupuncture approach for trauma spectrum symptoms
Helms, J. M., Walkowski, S. A., Elkiss, M., Pittman, D., Kouchis, N. S., & Lawrence, B. (2011). HMI auricular trauma protocol: An acupuncture approach for trauma spectrum symptoms. Medical Acupuncture, 23(4), 209-213.
Managing Post Trauma Reactions-Changing the Dialogue and Protocols
Munisteri JP (2017) Managing Post Trauma Reactions-Changing the Dialogue and Protocols. J Trauma Stress Disor Treat 6:3. doi: 10.4172/2324-8947.1000177
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol, auricular acupuncture to support patients with substance abuse and behavioral health disorders: current perspectives
Stuyt EB, Voyles CA. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol, auricular acupuncture to support patients with substance abuse and behavioral health disorders: current perspectives. Subst Abuse Rehabil. 2016 Dec 7;7:169-180. doi: 10.2147/SAR.S99161. PMID: 27994492; PMCID: PMC5153313.

November 29, 2023: Barriers to return to work

Didactic presentation: Barriers to return to work
In this presentation, Dr. Megan Edgelow and Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd describe common barriers to return to work (RTW) for public safety personnel (PSP), recognize how barriers can be modified, and explain how employers and healthcare practitioners can work collaboratively to support PSP to RTW.
Download the PDF(619.95 KB)

November 15, 2023: Overview of evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Didactic presentation: Overview of evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In this presentation, Dr. Megan McElheran discusses current therapeutic interventions for PTSD that have empirical support, the degrees of evidence supporting the therapeutic interventions for PTSD, ways to adapt manualized treatments to address clinical complexities that present with PSP.
Download the PDF(648.06 KB)
1in6
The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives. Our mission also includes serving family members, friends, partners, and service providers by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community. Source: 1in6
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
The Government of Ontario Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse program provides help for male survivors of sexual abuse, both recent and historical. The program is the first of its kind in Canada and is delivered by agencies across the province. Source: Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO)
Veterans Affairs Canada
If you are a current or former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), or a family member, Veterans Affairs Canada has targeted services and benefits to improve your well-being. Source: Veterans Affairs Canada

November 8, 2023: Providing trauma-informed virtual care

Didactic presentation: Providing Trauma-Informed Virtual Care
In this presentation, Dr. Dana Ross discusses potential challenges when delivering trauma-informed care in a virtual setting; benefits of utilizing virtual care for the treatment of interpersonal trauma; and trauma-informed strategies for optimizing the delivery of virtual care.
Download the PDF(208.08 KB)

October 25, 2023: Public safety personnel family and community supports

Didactic presentation: Public Safety Personnel Family and Community Supports
In this presentation, Scott Maxwell discusses the impacts that public safety personnel (PSP) service has on PSP family members, to differentiate between the needs of support services for PSP members and that of PSP families, and to identify resources that are available for PSP and their families.
Download the PDF(729.85 KB)
Functional Disconnection and Reconnection: an Alternative Strategy to Stoicism in Public Safety Personnel
McElheran M, Stelnicki AM. Functional disconnection and reconnection: an alternative strategy to stoicism in public safety personnel. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2021 Feb 16;12(1):1869399. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1869399.

October 18, 2023: The role of peer support in prevention, recovery and return to work

Didactic presentation: The Role of Peer Support in Prevention, Recovery and Return to Work
In this presentation, Staff Sergeant Beth Milliard, PhD, discusses the difference between formal and informal peer support for PSP, the goals of peer support for PSP, and the desired characteristics of a peer supporter for PSP
Download the PDF(230.51 KB)
Guidelines for the Practice and Training of Peer Support
The document is comprised of two sets of guidelines. The two sets of Guidelines are intended to provide direction to policy makers, decision makers, program leaders and the Canadian public about the practice of peer support. The two sets of Guidelines offer elements for the practice of peer support and an outline of the underlying values, principles of practice, skills and abilities of supporters. Source: Mental Health Commission of Canada
Ombudsman Report: In the Line of Duty
Investigation into how the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services have addressed operational stress injuries affecting police officers. Source: Ombudsman Ontario
Utilization and Impact of Peer-Support Programs on Police Officers’ Mental Health
Milliard B. (2020). Utilization and Impact of Peer-Support Programs on Police Officers’ Mental Health. Front. Psychol. 11:1686. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01686
Badge of Life Canada
Badge of Life Canada supports Canadian public safety personnel by offering a safe, confidential place where members in crisis can turn for immediate information that can provide hope, growth and recovery to those members who are suffering an operational stress injury, including post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and addictions; with access to counselling, including suicide prevention counselling, information and group support programs. Source: Badge of Life
Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT)
As part of the National Research Consortium, CIPSRT serves as the Knowledge Exchange Hub for knowledge synthesis, translation, and exchange that relies upon the best contemporary research evidence supporting an overall mission to help current and former public safety personnel, their leaders, and their families to maintain and improve their mental health and well-being. Source: CIPSRT
Wounded Warriors Canada
Wounded Warriors Canada is a nationally-recognized organization and mental health service provider dedicated to serving ill and injured Trauma Exposed Professionals (TExPs) and their families in both official languages. Source: Wounded Warriors Canada

October 11, 2023: Organizational factors and public safety personnel mental health

Didactic presentation: Organizational factors and public safety personnel mental health
In this presentation, Dr. Megan Edgelow describes organizational factors and their impact on PSP mental health and how to recognize which organizational factors can be modified.
Download the PDF(649.51 KB)
Return to Work Experiences of Ontario Public Safety Personnel with Work-Related Psychological Injuries
Edgelow, M., Legassick, K., Novecosky, J. et al. Return to Work Experiences of Ontario Public Safety Personnel with Work-Related Psychological Injuries. J Occup Rehabil (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-023-10114-6

October 4, 2023: Common mental health presentations in public safety personnel (PSP)

Didactic presentation: Common mental health presentations in public safety personnel
In this presentation, Dr. Nadia Aleem discusses how to identify the most common mental health concerns that PSP may present with in healthcare settings and create a framework to distinguish the type and level of care that may be best suited to the PSP seen in treatment.
Download the PDF(372.97 KB)
Mental Disorder Symptoms among Public Safety Personnel in Canada
Carleton RN, Afifi TO, Turner S, Taillieu T, Duranceau S, LeBouthillier DM, Sareen J, Ricciardelli R, MacPhee RS, Groll D, Hozempa K, Brunet A, Weekes JR, Griffiths CT, Abrams KJ, Jones NA, Beshai S, Cramm HA, Dobson KS, Hatcher S, Keane TM, Stewart SH, Asmundson GJG. Mental Disorder Symptoms among Public Safety Personnel in Canada. Can J Psychiatry. 2018 Jan;63(1):54-64. doi: 10.1177/0706743717723825. Epub 2017 Aug 28. PMID: 28845686; PMCID: PMC5788123.

September 27, 2023: Workplace culture

Didactic presentation: Workplace culture
In this presentation, Tanya Morose discusses the unique factors of each PSP discipline to consider when determining a stay at work or return to work plan and understand elements of a prevention-based approach to psychological health and safety and worker wellbeing.
Download PDF(788.08 KB)
National Standard of Canada - Psychological health and safety in the workplace
The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (the Standard) – the first of its kind in the world, is a set of voluntary guidelines, tools and resources intended to guide organizations in promoting mental health and preventing psychological harm at work. Source: CSA group.

September 20, 2023: Overview of the complexities of operational stress injuries among public safety personnel (PSP)

Didactic presentation: Overview of the complexities of operational stress injuries among public safety personnel (PSP)
In this presentation, Dr. Elizabeth Donnelly discusses factors which might influence the development of an Operational Stress Injury (OSI) among PSP and how systems influence the well-being of PSP
Download PDF(526.09 KB)
Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR)
There is need for Canadian research that addresses health protection and care across the life course of those who serve Canada in demanding environments, as well as research related specifically to the transition from military to civilian life. There is also an increased awareness of the need to provide relevant research related to families of those who serve, and have served, Canada. Source: CIMVHR.
Autonomic nervous system precision regulation
An infographic regarding Autonomic Nervous System regulation that may be helpful in providing education to trauma-exposed clients. Shared by one of our ECHO PSP participants. Source: somatictraumatherapy.com