Vancouver Fire introducing trauma dog to help members with mental health issues

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Just days after it was revealed the first paramedic to arrive on the scene of the Quebec mosque shooting in January 2017 took her own life, some local first responders will be sharing details about they’re doing to help fight mental health issues.

On Monday, Vancouver Fire will be introducing a new tool to help their members who may be struggling to deal with the stresses of their job and life. The department will be formally announcing that Lola, a trauma dog, is a part of their team.

Details of how Lola will be integrated into the department and the current state of mental health care among first responders will be also addressed.

Fire Chief Darrell Reid and Acting Captain Steve Fraser, who is also Lola’s handler, will be on hand.


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Earlier this year, the provincial government announced changes were in the works to quickly compensate emergency workers recovering from job-related mental trauma.

Services already provided under the Workers Compensation Act are being expanded, so firefighters, paramedics, police officers, sheriffs and corrections officers no longer have to prove their illness is caused by their work.

In the meantime, you can follow Lola on social media to keep up with her work.

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