Loss of Member
Loss of Member
As we start Paramedic Services Week across Canada, with sadness I pass along tragic news. Our service is dealing with the sudden loss of a member yesterday who recently started his career as an Emergency Call Taker in our Kamloops Communications Centre.
We are a close family in public safety and frontline health, our networks often work faster than formal processes. We ask that everyone respect the confidentiality and sensitivity of this loss and wait for formal notices to come out as details become available.
I know our CISM team was initiated immediately, and all the supports are in place for those affected. I have reached out on behalf of the Ambulance Paramedics and Dispatchers of BC to offer our unconditional support through Neil Lilley and Corinne Begg for all those affected. I was able to stop by Kamloops dispatch today to offer condolences on behalf of our Provincial Executive Board and our 4500 members to the team on duty today.
The death of a colleague can impact people in differing ways. Should you wish to share your feelings with someone, please remember our two confidential resources available to all employees of BC Emergency Health Services:
- The Critical Incident Stress Program may be contacted through 1.855.969.4321 for peer and/or professional counselling support.
- Our Employee Assistance Program, Homewood Human Solutions, is also available should you or your immediate family find you require additional support. Homewood may be contacted at 1.800.663.1142 or through their website at www.homewoodhumansolutions.com
On behalf of our Provincial Executive Board, I pass along our sincere condolences to all those affected by this tragic loss. Please look after yourselves and reach out if you can and support colleagues, family and anyone who may need assistance or empathy during this tough time.
With sincerity,
Troy Clifford
Provincial President
Ambulance Paramedics & Emergency Dispatchers of BC
CUPE Local 873
Click HERE to view a PDF version of this
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