PTSD Treatment, Prevention, and Awareness is the current First-Cause that unites First Responders across agencies...they're all in a PTSD Crisis.

The Cause: Funding is needed for the creation of a First Responder Specific Treatment Program for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Mental illness (MI) in British Columbia, Canada. This program will be focused on meeting the advanced needs of Fire Fighters, Police, and Paramedics. The goal is to educate, diagnose, and treat First Responders with PTSD and Mental illness effectively. All donations are tax-receipted and will go directly to PTSD Treatment!!

First Responders need help!

1. Up to 35% of First Responders Suffer from PTSD, as a result of the traumatic events their jobs expose them to. The estimated rate of PTSD/Mental Illness in non-First Responders is 8%.

2. First Responders (FRs) are as a rule neither diagnosed nor treated for PTSD/MI. This is because FR's deal with many traumatic incidents, and their culuture is to be the helpers, not to feel that they need help. The hero complex, in short. But they do need help.

3. First Reponders require different treatment than non-FRs, due to the frequency and intensity of the situations they see and deal with.

4. Specialized treatment for PTSD/MI in First Responders does not exist currenlty in BC, Canada. The healthcare system has a crack, and FRs are falling into it.

Two fundraisers have happened for First-Cause: FireFit for PTSD, and currently, Colin's PTSD FireRide, happening NOW!!

Colin Thompson is a retired Vancouver Fire Fighter, and he cares deeply about First Responders' Mental Health. Colin' s story, in his own words, is as follows:

"As a retired firefighter, I know that front-line emergency responders are exposed to high levels of stress. In emergencies, we put emotions aside as we focus on and deal with tragic events. The culture of first responders is to cope with the aftermath quietly and move forward to the next call.

But we all know that the stress can culminate and lead to Post Traumatic Stres Disorder. At its extreme, PTSD has been a contributing factor of suicides and family breakdowns. Mood swings, alcoholism, relationship conflicts — PTSD can have a very negative impact if not treated.

I never want to attend another funeral of a brother or sister firefighter — or any first responder — who suffered and died from this disorder. That's why I'm riding to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial ceremony in Colorado Springs this September. I'm riding for all the first responders who haven't been able to get the help they need when they need it.

Your donations will go to the Vancouver Firefighters' Charitable Society which is committed to supporting a pioneering program at Vancouver General Hospital. The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation will enhance mental health resources that are direly needed.

I didn't get the nickname "Jack Russell" for nothing! I'm going to spend the spring and summer in training for my 1,500-mile ride from Vancouver to Colorado Springs. I know I can do it! But I need your help. Your donations to my campaign will give me the encouragement and drive I need to achieve my goal. You will be in my thoughts as I march with the honor guard in Colorado Springs. Together, we can be proud to know we've done what we can to help the first responders who suffer from PTSD."

The Vancouver Fire Fighters' Charitable Society (VFCS), located in Vancouver, BC , Canada. VFCS is a registered Charity #867412132rr00001. Donations receive an official Tax Receipt.

The Cause: Funding is needed for the creation of a First Responder Specific Treatment Program for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Mental illness (MI) in British Columbia, Canada.