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Download FSANS Brochure
IF YOU NEED HELP, SEEK HELP
IF YOU NEED HELP, SEEK HELP
For assistance, the fire service has a number of options:
CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT TEAM
CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT TEAM
CALL 1-800-559-3473 or nsfirecism.ca
Our provincial CISM team is available to assist after any line of duty critical incident by calling 1-800-559-3473 - https://www.nsfirecism.ca/
VOLUNTEER FIREFGHTER AND GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
VOLUNTEER FIREFGHTER AND GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
To see full details on the program then please click HERE
CALL 1-833-768-2183
WEBSITE - One.telushealth.com
Username: nsvolunteer
Password: support
NS FIRST RESPONDERS' MENTAL HEALTH
NS FIRST RESPONDERS' MENTAL HEALTH
WEBSITE - firstrespondersmentalhealthns
This website contains tools and resources for First Responders, employers, and families, however all Nova Scotians who work in stressful and demanding workplaces may also find these resources helpful.
NOVA SCOTIA MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LINE
NOVA SCOTIA MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LINE
CALL 1-888-429-8167
The Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line 1-888-429-8167 is available for any of your mental health concerns. - https://novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing/
PSPNET
PSPNET
WEBSITE - pspnet.ca
PSPNET provides service to Public Safety Professionals who are suffering from challenges related to depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress. ICBT involves online learning modules focused on cognitive behavioral skills typically offered with weekly support from a therapist by secure email or telephone. They offer two programs. One is called the PSP Wellbeing Course which is appropriate for clients who have diverse mental health concerns. The other is called the PSP PTSD Course and is specific to clients who are primarily concerned with symptoms of posttraumatic stress. The ICBT programs have been tailored to meet the needs of PSP.
BEFORE OPERATIONAL STRESS (BOS) PROGRAM
BEFORE OPERATIONAL STRESS (BOS) PROGRAM
WEBSITE - beforeoperationalstress
The Before Operational Stress (BOS) program has been carefully designed to provide public safety personnel with theoretical, practical and experiential learning to enhance their resilience and mental health. BOS is a unique program that brings together cutting-edge clinical approaches with recognized scientific expertise to support psychological health and wellness of public safety personnel over the course of their operational careers.
TO FIND ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS, PLEASE CLICK HERE
MESOTHELIOMA LAWYER CENTER
At Mesothelioma Lawyer Center, our mission is to put people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families in touch with a highly experienced mesothelioma attorney in their area so they have access to their best possible financial compensation.
https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/occupations/asbestos-and-firefighters/
United Diagnostic Services (UDS) Presentation
United Diagnostic Services (UDS) Presentation
A presentation was provided by United Diagnostic Services (UDS), an organization established in 2001 and fully accredited since 2017. UDS currently operates in all 50 U.S. states and has expanded into Canada.
UDS provides a non-invasive, radiation-free, ultrasound-based health screening program that examines nine organs and body systems in approximately 30 minutes. The portable screening process provides real-time body imaging and can identify actionable pathologies. Areas assessed include:
Cardiovascular system
Occupational cancer screening
Endocrine system
Gastrointestinal system
Genital and gender-specific health concerns
Aortic disease
Echocardiogram and vascular testing
Representatives advised that within an 18-month period, UDS screenings resulted in the early detection of significant medical conditions in 122 individuals, including 120 firefighters. Early detection allowed affected members to receive timely surgery, treatment, or ongoing monitoring. They also noted an increasing trend of cancers being diagnosed in younger firefighters, ranging in age from 19 to 43 years.
The cardiovascular screening component is designed to identify and help mitigate the risk of catastrophic cardiac events through comprehensive testing and early intervention.
All images and findings are reviewed by physicians and included in a confidential report. Participants receive education regarding their health status and recommendations for any necessary follow-up care. Reports are generally available within four to eight business days.
The current cost is approximately $360 USD per person (approximately $500 CAD), which includes all imaging, interpretation, and reporting.
UDS began operating in Canada in 2024, initially in Ontario, and has since expanded services to British Columbia and Nova Scotia. The company is licensed to operate in Nova Scotia.
For onsite screening events, UDS requires approximately 300 square feet of private space. A team of two medical professionals can complete approximately 30 screenings per day.
All image interpretations in Nova Scotia are completed by Canadian-licensed physicians. Reports and images are provided to participants and can be shared with their family physician. If significant concerns are identified, recommendations are made for expedited medical follow-up and additional testing as required.
Blood work is not included as part of the screening process in Canada. Participants requiring laboratory testing are referred to their family physician.
UDS also offers complimentary educational sessions for organizations interested in learning more about firefighter health screening and early disease detection.
also
also
Check with your fire department insurance provider for any programs or support they can offer.
If your department has a Fire Chaplain or similar position this might be a great first step.
Contact your Doctor’s offices
Remember 211 is a great tool to find services and programs including mental health assistance https://ns.211.ca/
Wellness Canada Mental Health Portal: https://ca.portal.gs/?lang=en-ca
TO FIND ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS, PLEASE CLICK HERE
Recognize how you are feeling
Take care of yourself
Stay connected
Maintain perspective
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