Manitoba Boosts Mental Health Support for First Responders After Firefighter's Suicide

The Manitoba government is increasing access to mental health support for first responders following the tragic suicide of a Winnipeg firefighter earlier this month. Preston Heinbigner, a father of two, took his own life, exposing deficiencies in the province's capacity to provide timely mental health care to those on the front lines.

In response, the province is hiring three new counselors dedicated to providing customized support for firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. Premier Wab Kinew and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara are scheduled to discuss the emergency care measures in Winnipeg.

Heinbigner's death has shaken the firefighter community in Manitoba. "Preston's death has rocked the firefighter community," said Tom Bilous, president of the United Firefighters of Winnipeg Local 867. "It exposed deficiencies in the province's capacity to provide timely mental health care to first responders."

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) has seen a rise in psychological claims made by members to the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, with 118 claims already filed in 2023. In recent weeks, the WFPS has expanded its behavioral health unit and added a second nurse to provide more support to firefighters grieving the loss of their colleague.

Why this matters: The mental health challenges faced by first responders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, are a critical issue that demands attention and action. Ensuring timely access to mental health support is crucial for the well-being of those who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities.

Bilous emphasized that the days of telling first responders to "suck it up" are over, and that members are now more supportive and engaged in helping one another. The Manitoba government's efforts aim to address the needs of first responders and honor those, like Heinbigner, who have suffered from the psychological toll of their demanding professions. Firefighters will join Heinbigner's family at the legislature to advocate for better mental health supports for all first responders in the province.

Key Takeaways

• Manitoba hiring 3 counselors to support first responder mental health
• Firefighter's suicide exposed gaps in province's mental health care for first responders
• Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service seeing rise in psychological claims in 2023
• Mental health challenges like PTSD are critical issues for first responders
• Firefighters to advocate for better mental health supports at legislature