P.E.I. first responders may get more PTSD support

The Workers Compensation Board of P.E.I. has been asked to review its policy regarding coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder, says P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan.

Under its current policy, WCB will only provide coverage to a worker who suffers an acute reaction to a single, traumatic event.

Government has asked the board to consider broadening the current policy to provide coverage for first responders who suffer from PTSD as the cumulative result from repeated exposure to stressful situations.

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"The Workers Compensation Board... at the request of government, is looking at its policy in this regard, and is in the process of looking at whether it can open up the current policy to respond where there are psychological impacts in stressful jobs--first responders or perhaps similar work--where they have PTSD that arises from cumulative exposure," said MacLauchlan, who also serves as P.E.I.'s Justice and Public Safety minister.

"It's certainly been expressed to me directly, and I'm very sympathetic... with firefighters, emergency workers who have brought this to me in a very positive way, representing their own situations and the people they work with."

MacLauchlan said Workers Compensation is consulting with first responders in reviewing its policy. He expects that review to be completed soon.

MacLauchlan said it's not known what financial impact any change could have.

Concerns about first responders suffering from PTSD were raised in the Legislature in 2014 by Pat Murphy, the backbench Liberal MLA representing Alberton-Roseville. After that, a psychologist who volunteers with a team that provides support for first responders said the province should hire a PTSD co-ordinator.

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