Sask. woman discovers peace in deep water after leaving painful front lines behind

This piece originally published Aug. 22, 2023.

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Alanna McIntyre had almost given up.

After nearly seven years working on the front lines as a primary care paramedic in Saskatchewan, the stress was taking its toll on her mentally and physically.

In 2019, she suffered a bad fall and had to take a leave from work. She had to undergo multiple surgeries on her knee.

McIntyre was inexcruciating painwhile also struggling with depression and anxiety.She had lost trust in her own body and she was scared she couldn't move like she used to because she had been hurt so badly.

She decided to confront those fears in a swimming pool. That's whenthe 30-year-old realized she could cope with her pain in the water.

"I could move without fear again, which was so healing," McIntyre said. "It was super good for my knee too, but it was goodfor my spirit."

That revelation, of how being in the water helped,led her to scuba diving. As soon as she descended into the water, shefelt a sense of peace.

WATCH|Alanna McIntyre leftthe hectic front lines behind for a quiet underwater world:

Sask. woman says 'bubble therapy' changed her life after quitting job as paramedic and turned to scuba diving

1 year ago

Duration 5:35

In this video for CBC's Creator Network, filmmaker Jenalene Antony profiles Alanna McIntyre, a former paramedic who turned to scuba diving after an injury and stress forced her to change careers.

"When I put my gear on and I get in the water, [the]world gets really small. It is healing."

The cold and murky depths of Saskatchewan's lakes and rivers are like a tranquil, quiet world.

Not long after discovering whatMcIntyre describes as her "bubble therapy," she left her career as a paramedic behind for good.

George Mueller has seen how diving has the power to change people and offer them clarity. He is the owner and staff instructor at the Diving Centre in Saskatoon.

"Every time you put your head in the water, there's something beautiful and new," he said.

Mueller mentored McIntyre as she learned how to dive and then he hired her to work at the centre.For the last three years, she's been working asa Divemaster and Hydrostatic Requalifier arranging diving trips and testing equipment.

At the centre, Mueller said they work with people who have been through "hell" people who have been in accidents or people who work stressful careers like paramedics, but also doctors, lawyers and other emergency workers.

Mueller said diving helps them clear their heads and focus on the present moment.

"We just try to help them through," he said. "It's very rewarding to see all of that come around."

Even thoughMcIntyre was no longer happy working as a paramedic, she saidit did bring her some self-worth, because she knew she was helping others.

Still, she felt so low, she wasn't sure she'dsurvive if she stayed in the profession.

She credits scuba diving for "saving her life."

Kindred spirits

Tim May knows how difficult it can be on the front lines of crisis.He's an advanced care paramedicwhoworks with Parkland Ambulance in Prince Albert, Sask. He also trained McIntyre in her early days with Emergency Medical Services (EMS.)

May says the stress of working in EMS is unique. They face a lot ofverbal abuse while trying to help people and often have to respond to calls that aren't actually an emergency. For example, May said some people use the ambulance as a taxi.

Then they respond tobig calls involving human tragedy and suffering. Those are the onesthat eat away at theirpsyche, May said.

"There's no light at the end of the tunnel some days," he explains.

At one point, May andMcIntyre werepartners in EMS and worked together on night shifts.

"I've been on some of her worst calls." May said. "I know a little bit of what she is healing from."

May is also a diver.McIntyre says it was the late night conversations with him thatplanted the seed in her mind about cold water diving.

He said hesees McIntyre as hiskindred spirit.Now, instead of working together in an ambulance they dive together.

"I like what I do. I like being here. I like being alive," McIntyresaid. "It's strange, and it's definitely never where I saw myself [ending up,] but I am so glad that thisis what I got."

McIntyre's formerroommate, Taylor Everett, said she's proud to see how much McIntyre has overcome.

"She is the most genuine kind hearted person," Everett said. "She teaches perseverance. She teaches finding strength, even when you feel you don't have any. It's amazing to watch."

McIntyre has joined a team that helps the RCMPrecover debris from underwater accident scenes.

Her next goal is to become a diving instructor to help train the next generation of divers. She also wants to use her position in the shop as a queerwoman to encourage inclusivity.

"She's going to change the world, and I think she is already doing it, one dive at a time," Taylor said of her friend.

McIntyrehas been able to find peace in her life. Now she wants to help others find their peace,or at the very least inspire them to take a risk and try something that might seemout of their realm.

"Finding the thing, the right work, everything, can be so radically life-changing."