One of Canada’s leading independent peer assistance groups for first responders by first responders has opened its doors in Alberta. .“We always said ideally it would be great if we can get this running smoothly in Ontario, why not help more first responders across the country,” said Boots on the Ground (BOTG) President Dave McLennan in a press release. .“We already receive calls from across North America.”.McLennan called it “a natural progression for us and exciting to get going in another province.” This is the first step for BOTG to operate across Canada. .BOTG has offered confidential, anonymous peer support through a 24-hour, seven-day per week helpline to first responders in Ontario for the past five years. .It provides support to police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, paramedics, emergency dispatch operators and nurses. .Since 2018, BOTG said it has received 2,400 calls. This includes 40 active suicide callers it was able to direct to counsellors who could provide appropriate assistance. .McLennan said he has always known there is a need around Canada for first responders to receive mental health support from their peers. .BOTG Alberta President Mo Shaukat acknowledged he will be answering calls on the helpline for first responders. .“The one thing I’ve come to realize in this profession is that people are very alpha and don’t want to talk about anything until they meet someone who is similarly alpha,” said Shaukat. .“Eventually, they will open up to someone in the same boots.” .Since first responders are exposed to more trauma than the average person, Shaukat said it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), marital issues, drug problems or worse if they cannot open about it. .The United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported one-third of first responders develop PTSD, and one-fifth of the general public has it. A study conducted by the Journal of Community Safety and Well-Being in 2016 estimated 70,000 Canadian police officers, firefighters, and paramedics have suffered from it. .He said he came to this realization after an incident at work that could have been fatal, which led to a co-worker approaching him and breaking down. This experience taught him people in the field are willing to talk. .He has been working for the past year to set up BOTG’s Alberta office, which included recruiting and training a team of volunteers who will offer support for first responders in the province. .BOTG volunteer Gary Carty spent 40 years as a Peel Regional Police officer, and he settled in Alberta with his wife when he retired in 2022. Carty said his wife and he are excited to be joining. .“We’re trained to deal with emergencies our whole career,” said Carty. .“So, if someone presents you with an emergent situation, we have protocols to get them the help they need.” .Shaukat said BOTG’s team is ready to start answering the phones in Alberta and offer a safe, confidential space for people to talk. It is in need of volunteers such as Carty with a connection to the first responder community. .Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said at the Alberta Recovery Conference in February Budget 2023 will prioritize mental health and addictions. .READ MORE: Smith says Budget 2023 will include record spending on mental health and addiction.“It’s clear now is the time to continue moving forward and continue investing in our system of care for Albertans,” said Smith. .“To accomplish this, I am pleased to announce here at the Alberta Recovery Conference that next week, our government will table a budget including record-breaking investments to a comprehensive mental health and addiction care system.”
