Mental health issues escalate among British Columbia paramedics, with an alarming rise in suicide rates among one-third of personnel seeking treatment.
In British Columbia (B.C.), the Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. (APBC) have reported an alarming increase in suicide rates among paramedics, with four deaths by suicide reported this year, as of the first half of 2025[1]. This troubling trend is linked primarily to extreme workload, chronic understaffing, increased call volumes, and the intense mental health stressors associated with their work[1][4].
The APBC is deeply concerned that the high numbers of paramedics seeking mental health help are lagging indicators of the stressors faced in their profession[2]. More than 30% of APBC members continue to work while receiving mental health treatment[3].
The union is advocating for a joint inquiry with B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and the provincial government to address this critical issue[2].
The key causes of this crisis include chronic understaffing and extreme workload heightened by growing call volumes and a rising population, resulting in physical and mental exhaustion[1][4]. The scrapping of standby pay and precarious working conditions, particularly in smaller communities, contribute to job stress and instability[1]. The emotional toll and trauma inherent to paramedic work are exacerbated by insufficient systemic supports for mental health[1][4].
These challenges have significant effects on the operational efficiency of BCEHS. Ambulances sometimes remain unused in some areas due to staffing shortages despite increasing demand[1]. This situation leads to operational challenges and delays in emergency response times.
To combat this crisis, BCEHS has launched a hiring blitz and converted many positions to permanent, full-time to stabilize staffing, although results have been mixed given ongoing shortages[1]. Calls from paramedic unions and healthcare professionals for urgent systemic reforms addressing workload, mental health resources, and working conditions have been made[1][4].
Broader recommendations include radical changes to ambulance and emergency systems to better support rural and urban paramedics and reduce job stress, potentially including improved prevention and crisis intervention programs[5].
It is essential to note that resources for paramedics in crisis are available, highlighting the critical need for mental health support tailored specifically to this workforce[1][3]. If you or someone you know is in crisis, resources such as the Suicide Crisis Helpline (988), Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-463-2338), Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566, or 45645 by text), Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868), and immediate assistance by calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital are available[6].
Jennie Helmer, the Chief Operating Officer of BCEHS, stated that ambulance paramedics and dispatchers are under incredible pressure due to high call volumes and a growing population[4]. The Critical Incident Stress Team is now available for family members to report unusual behavior of ambulance paramedics and dispatchers[1]. Nicki Ropp, APBC health and wellness coordinator, mentioned that it can take up to 30 days, or longer, to process the trauma experienced on the job[3].
The APBC has clarified that online rumors suggesting nine members have died by suicide this year are inaccurate[2]. It is crucial to rely on accurate and verified information to understand and address this crisis effectively.
In summary, the rising suicide rates among B.C. paramedics stem from a combination of systemic understaffing, increased mental health strain from heavy workloads, and insufficient support mechanisms. Ongoing efforts are focused on staffing improvements and systemic reforms to address these critical issues[1][4][5].
- The growing crisis in the ambulance service in British Columbia is largely attributed to factors such as chronic understaffing, extreme workload, and increasing call volumes, which lead to high stress levels and mental health issues among paramedics.
- It has been reported that more than one-third of Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. (APBC) members are continuing to work while seeking mental health treatment, demonstrating the significant stressors faced in their profession.
- To tackle this issue, the APBC is advocating for a joint inquiry with B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and the provincial government, aiming to address the critical mental health concerns in the workplace.
- The consequences of this crisis extend beyond the paramedics themselves, affecting the operational efficiency of BCEHS, leading to delays in emergency response times and sometimes leaving ambulances unused in certain areas due to staffing shortages.
- In an effort to combat this crisis, BCEHS has initiated a hiring blitz and converted many positions to permanent, full-time, but results have been mixed due to ongoing staffing shortages.
- Broad recommendations for improvement include radical changes to ambulance and emergency systems, with a focus on reducing job stress and improving prevention and crisis intervention programs for both rural and urban paramedics, as well as providing adequate mental health support tailored to this workforce.
