Dubiel Gray (Wm. Allan Gray) said:
Far too many EMS, Fire, Police and 911 Call Center Members are unfortunately 'still suffering in silence' ~ Hopefully this will now start to Change...
I do not believe the recently passed PTSD legislation in Alberta ( first of its kind in Canada ) will change anything for 9-1-1 Call Receivers or Dispatchers.
It only covers Police Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics / EMTs / EMRs and Alberta Sheriffs.
If presumptive legislation is passed in Ontario, I have heard opinions where I used to work that PTSD claims will "take off like wildfire". The police services expressed a similar concern.
Perhaps for pensioners. But, those still on the job have stress leave written into the collective agreement. They have a support system that includes a Psychologist, Peer Support Team, Employee Assistance Program, and long term Modified Duty for PTSD. Modified Duty can last for years.
The pension plan for Police Officers, Firefighters and Paramedics allows them to retire after 30 years on a 70% pension.
Extended Health Benefits pay for programs such as Bellwoods:
http://www.bellwood.ca/
They also have the option of going on Long Term Disability ( LTD ). That pays 75%.
If WSIB decides they require permanent modified work, the first option is to modify the job so the Paramedic can perform the essential duties. Due to the nature of our business, that is not possible.
The second option would be to place them in a comparable job elsewhere in the Department. However, being the smallest of the Emergency Services, there are no comparable jobs for Paramedics.
TFS members can be transferred from Operations Division to Fire Prevention, Quartermaster Section or Mechanical Division.
TPS is able to provide over 180 job opportunities for Police Officers.
The final option is to find them suitable employment.
Suitable employment is defined as employment consistent with the employee's skills and functional abilities that does not pose a health and safety hazard to the employee or co-worker.
Since the disability is not physical, finding suitable work with the City is not a problem. Whatever they decide is suitable, you must accept. You may be offered one or two choices.
On the other hand, if Permanently Partially Disabled ( PPD ), Paramedics with physical disabilities ( such as bad backs ) are accommodated with clean, inside work with no heavy lifting and a thermostat on the wall. Crew Schedulers are an example.