Aug 11, 2015
Vancouver, BC - Work-related trauma can lead to burnout, chronic illnesses, breakdown of relationships in both the home and workplace, and addiction. Yet, training to alleviate or negate the results or exposure to trauma is only partially effective. Between May and December 2014, 15 first responders committed suicide in Canada. Previous research has highlighted nursing as having the highest number of chronic health conditions for all employed individuals in Canada.
This fall, Langara College Continuing Studies launches the Strategic Resilience for First Responders program. The program addresses the risk over time for secondary trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on a wide range of front line staff as they support traumatized individuals. It offers participants strategies to recognize, alleviate, and resolve symptoms of work-related trauma.
“Trauma has impact. It is time for society to grasp the multiple ways the cumulative exposure to trauma affects our lives. For first responders and front line staff there is no avoiding the emotional and somatic impact of seeing others suffer,” said Dr. Ruth Lamb, Program Coordinator.
The program is aimed for those who witness trauma, or work with those who have undergone trauma, including paramedics, fire, police, military, health care workers, educators, and crisis line workers. It fills a niche by presenting cutting-edge strategies to address burnout, secondary trauma, and PTSD.
A consistent level of high performance and decision-making requires resilience on multiple levels. Research also shows that repetitive invasion of another’s trauma can consciously and unconsciously drain vital energy, and negatively impact personal feelings, values, judgment, and relationships.
“Outwardly, signs of traumatic stress can show up as anxiety and hyper-responsiveness, irritability and undue criticism, or numbness and depression. Inwardly, the force of the trauma impact enfolds itself into our energy, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. We push ourselves until we are overwhelmed,” added Dr. Lamb.
About Langara
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 21,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path.
Learn more.
Mark Dawson
Communications Officer
T 604.323.5702
mdawson@langara.bc.ca
Dr. Ruth Lamb, PhD
Program Coordinator
T 604.872.3472
rlamb@langara.bc.ca