logo
Union warns of 'record number' of paramedic suicides in B.C.

Union warns of 'record number' of paramedic suicides in B.C.

CBC9 hours ago
The Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. union, which represents more than 4,500 paramedics and emergency dispatchers, says there is a mental health crisis among first responders in the province. There have been four suicides among members in the first half of 2025, which is a record number, according to union spokesperson Ian Tait. While there are many contributing factors, understaffing and inadequate access to mental health supports are playing a role.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

No doctors at Mission Memorial Hospital ER Sunday night
No doctors at Mission Memorial Hospital ER Sunday night

CTV News

time6 hours ago

  • CTV News

No doctors at Mission Memorial Hospital ER Sunday night

An entrance to Mission Memorial Hospital is seen on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. (CTV) Due to a lack of available physicians, there will be a 'temporary service interruption' in the emergency department at Mission Memorial Hospital in B.C.'s Lower Mainland Sunday night. Anyone who arrives in the emergency room after 5 p.m. will not be seen by a doctor, Fraser Health said in a memo sent at 1 p.m. Those who arrive before that time will be seen by a physician before they end their shift at 11 p.m. After that, there will be no doctors in the ER but nurses will be on-staff to 'support walk-in patients needing basic care, assist with re-direction of care, and/or transfer patients with urgent needs to a neighbouring hospital.' Fraser Health asked anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency to call 911 for transport to the 'nearest available and appropriate facility.' The 'service interruption' is scheduled to last until 8 a.m. Monday. 'All other Fraser Health Emergency Departments remain open and have emergency physicians on site; however, high numbers of people seeking care and human resources challenges at many of our hospital emergency departments may lead to longer wait times for patients with non-urgent care concerns,' the health authority wrote. Mission Memorial Hospital's ER has diverted patients at least three times this year. While ER closures are a common occurrence in B.C.'s smaller communities, staffing issues have begun periodically disrupting service at Vancouver-area hospitals in recent years.

Breastfeeding room opened at CKHA
Breastfeeding room opened at CKHA

CTV News

time8 hours ago

  • CTV News

Breastfeeding room opened at CKHA

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has opened up a new breastfeeding room. The room gives patients, families, visitors, and staff the private, quiet place to breastfeed, pump, or take care of their babies. It is located across from the Women and Children's Program waiting room and is now open 24/7. 'Supporting people in their breastfeeding journey is part of creating a more welcoming and equitable healthcare environment,' said Jessica Johnston, manager of the Women and Children's Program. 'Whether you're a staff member returning to work or a parent visiting a loved one, we want you to feel supported.' People can get access to the room through the front desk in the Women and Children's section. The front desk staff will ensure appropriate use of the room. An in-use sign will be available to maintain privacy. 'The Foundation is proud to support projects like this that directly improve the care experience for patients, families, and staff,' said Christine Mitchell, president and CEO of the CKHA Foundation. 'The breastfeeding room is a thoughtful addition that reflects our shared commitment to comfort, dignity, and inclusion at CKHA.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store