There was a light drizzle and a chilly wind, but that did not in any way dampen the spirit of Sudbury area first responders who took part in the national Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day.
It was a walking event that brought together members of Greater Sudbury Police Service, Greater Sudbury Fire Services, Greater Sudbury Paramedics, Ontario Provincial Police and members of the Irish Regiment of Canada.
As the march proceeded from the Flour Mill area along one lane of Notre Dame Avenue to Tom Davies Square during the noon hour, several motorists honked in support.
Detective-Constable Ryan Hutton, one of the organizers of the walk, said the day is a nationally recognized event and this was the first time it was being observed by first responders in the Sudbury area.
Hutton said it was important to have a day to raise awareness for PTSD and mental health and wellness.
"Thankfully, the Greater Sudbury Police Service in conjunction with support from the Sudbury Police Association has put together a wellness team."
Hutton said not only is it important for everyone to raise awareness but also to end the stigma sometimes associated with mental health.
As he looked at the audience, Hutton said he was pleased to see people there from all the emergency services in the city.
"This really affects first responders probably more than anyone, I would think. Medical professionals, nurses and doctors probably see it from a different angle than we do. But, you know, we need to acknowledge everybody, and we need to do whatever we can to have days like today," said Hutton.
GSPS Police Chief Paul Pedersen told the audience he was pleased to see the level of participation from all the emergency responders.
Pedersen said as the walking group was able to do the march and show awareness, he wanted to recognize their colleagues were still on the job, all day, every day.
"There's somebody out there right now responding to an intimate partner violence call. There's a paramedic saving somebody's life, there's fire services, and there are people overseas and domestically that are keeping us safe," Pedersen said.
He added that with June being known as PTSD Awareness Month in Canada, it was worth mentioning the numbers involved.
“And as first responders, this month is an opportunity to continue the conversation and truly end the stigma surrounding mental health. First responders, as Ryan mentioned, do experience PTSD. It's actually at double the rate than anybody, any other person in their career,” said the chief.
“Over 70,000 Canadian first responders have experienced PTSD in their lifetime. And it's estimated that approximately 20 to 30 per cent of Canadian first responders will develop PTSD in their career,” he added.
Len Gillis is a reporter at Sudbury.com.
