Mental Health and Well-Being of "Forgotten" First Responders in Canada |
Welcome to our Survey!
Thank you for taking the time to respond to these questions. We will be asking you various questions related to your stress, mental health, and overall well-being to better understand your experience as a first-responder to traumatic events.
Who can participate?
This survey was designed for workers who are directly exposed to traumatic events through their work (i.e., first-responders). However, this survey is unique in that it aims to focus on people who work in "non-traditional" first responder occupations such as, but not limited to: search-and-rescue teams, front-line community services workers, crime-scene clean-up crews, harm reduction and supervised consumption site workers, journalists, security guards, and correctional officers.
If you are unsure if you qualify, consider that traditional first responders are typically police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Therefore, anyone who responds directly to traumatic events and does not work in one of those occupations is eligible (and encouraged) to complete this survey.
Please note that you must be 18 or older to complete this survey. More than one person from an organization can take the survey.
Why am I being asked these questions?
We want to learn more about people in Canada who have an occupational responsibility to respond to traumatic events and scenes. We want to learn about your well-being, how you feel about your work, how you take care of yourself, how your organization affects your wellness, and any harm (as well as growth) you may have experienced throughout your career.
How will I be protected?
You will not be asked for your name. We will not use your computer's IP address. We will not share your survey with your employer. Actions like signing out of your accounts, closing your browser, and locking your device when not in use can help protect your safety. For information on deleting your browsing history, see https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000510.htm.
This survey was designed for workers who are directly exposed to traumatic events through their work (i.e., first-responders). However, this survey is unique in that it aims to focus on people who work in "non-traditional" first responder occupations such as, but not limited to: search-and-rescue teams, front-line community services workers, crime-scene clean-up crews, harm reduction and supervised consumption site workers, journalists, security guards, and correctional officers.
If you are unsure if you qualify, consider that traditional first responders are typically police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Therefore, anyone who responds directly to traumatic events and does not work in one of those occupations is eligible (and encouraged) to complete this survey.
Please note that you must be 18 or older to complete this survey. More than one person from an organization can take the survey.
Why am I being asked these questions?
We want to learn more about people in Canada who have an occupational responsibility to respond to traumatic events and scenes. We want to learn about your well-being, how you feel about your work, how you take care of yourself, how your organization affects your wellness, and any harm (as well as growth) you may have experienced throughout your career.
How will I be protected?
You will not be asked for your name. We will not use your computer's IP address. We will not share your survey with your employer. Actions like signing out of your accounts, closing your browser, and locking your device when not in use can help protect your safety. For information on deleting your browsing history, see https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000510.htm.
In the highly unlikely event of a data breach, any data you provide may become available. Appropriate institutional procedures would be followed.
What if I don't want to answer a question?
You can choose "prefer not to answer" and continue. Share only what you want to.
What if a question upsets me and I need help?
If you need immediate support, 9-8-8 is available 24/7 in both official languages.
The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counseling or crisis support. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca. Help is available in English, French, Ojibway, Cree, or Inuktitut.
An additional list of province-specific mental health resources is included at the end of this survey.
What if I have questions about the research?
You can contact Diana McGlinchey, MSc (Principal Investigator) at mcglind@algonquincollege.com. If you have questions about the the ethical conduct of this study, you can contact the Algonquin College Research Ethics Board by email REBAdmin@algonquincollege.com or phone: (613) 727-4723 ext. 5213.
What if I don't want to answer a question?
You can choose "prefer not to answer" and continue. Share only what you want to.
What if a question upsets me and I need help?
If you need immediate support, 9-8-8 is available 24/7 in both official languages.
The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate help to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counseling or crisis support. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca. Help is available in English, French, Ojibway, Cree, or Inuktitut.
An additional list of province-specific mental health resources is included at the end of this survey.
What if I have questions about the research?
You can contact Diana McGlinchey, MSc (Principal Investigator) at mcglind@algonquincollege.com. If you have questions about the the ethical conduct of this study, you can contact the Algonquin College Research Ethics Board by email REBAdmin@algonquincollege.com or phone: (613) 727-4723 ext. 5213.