“We’re really good at being stoic. So when you see someone, you don’t necessarily know that they are struggling.”

In this interview, Brandon Currie, a firefighter in British Columbia, talks about the unique occupational challenges and stresses faced by firefighters and the impact it can have on their mental health.

COVID-19 brought a whole host of additional challenges for firefighters. Brandon speaks candidly about these challenges and the complexities that infection control processes added to the firefighters’ work.

He describes his dual role as a firefighter and a mental health and wellness coordinator for his peers. Breaking down stigma, normalizing stress responses, as well as the importance of accessing mental health services are all important elements that Brandon brings to conversations in his coordinator role.

We salute him and all the firefighters of Canada who work tirelessly to keep their communities safe.

Thank you for your service, Brandon.

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LINKS TO OUR WORK

https://www.thetraumaandrecoverylab.com/
  / trauma-recovery-research-unit  
  / trru_mcmaster  
  / traumarecoveryresearchunit  
  / traumamcmaster  

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PAYING THE PRICE FOR SAFETY: MORAL INJURY AND PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL.

This national interview series is part of ongoing surveillance and knowledge mobilization to support the needs of Canadian public safety personnel impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This project is led by Dr. Margaret McKinnon, Principal Investigator of the Trauma & Recovery Research Unit at McMaster University.

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CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction
1:03 What does the public expect of firefighters?
1:24 Did the work of firefighting change with COVID-19?
2:09 How did COVID-19 affect teamwork?
4:05 Can you introduce us to your dog?
4:57 Did you feel supported by management levels during the pandemic?
5:53 What is your focus with mental health education for firefighters
8:07 How do counselling and peer support differ?
8:31 Did these efforts help firefighters cope during the pandemic?

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WITH THANKS TO

YouTube/BCPFFA Media (2:20)
YouTube/Vancouver Sun (2:25)