Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT)

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In search and rescue, we often are faced with challenging decisions and conditions in order to save the lives of people in need. We also know that the outcome of a search and rescue, is not always certain. We can be put into situations, some dealing with life and death when it comes to a missing person, that may impact moving forward in life and may even be traumatic. As CASARA members, we provide full coverage of over 9.985 million km² of Canadian terrain, focussing on saving lives and improving search and rescue efforts in Canada. This is no small challenge or feat., With the responsibility, we understand it can add pressure for our members across the country involved in active searches.

Trauma is hard to put into words, and sometimes can result in overbearing feelings. There’s a story behind every traumatic experience, and in some situations isn’t always easy to grieve or accept.

A person that undergoes a level of trauma can go through one or all of Kûbler-Ross’s Grief Cycle at some level. The 5 stages of grieving process are Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

The next question is, if you are going through some of these stages, how do we deal with how we feel? If we need somewhere to turn too, where do we go? If you have any sort of traumatic experience that is affecting your life, we have a great place to tell you about today.

Back in 2015, the Canadian Prime Minister mandated the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to develop a coordination National Action Plan on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder for Public Safety Personnel (PSP). PSP includes, but are not limited to, border services, public safety communicators, correctional workers, firefighters, Indigenous emergency managers, operations intelligence personnel, paramedics, police, assearch and rescue personnel.

The Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) was born, where mental health research, treatment, and training is the focus of the organization.

CIPSRT’s Mission & Vision Statements:

Mission: To support the mental health and well-being of Canada’s public safety personnel, their leaders, and their families through research, treatment, training, and a knowledge mobilization hub.  The CIPSRT mission is supported by collaborations with public safety stakeholders and leaders, practitioners, subject matter experts, researchers and government.

Vision: Represents global leadership in the knowledge translation and mobilization of evidence-based research, treatment, training that supports public safety personnel, their leaders, and their families in minimizing mental health injuries, and improving their mental health and well-being

Using Internet Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT), CIPSRT focuses on providing structured, goal orientated treatment, to help with thought patterns and behaviour. Many people never seek mental health treatment because of stigma and logistical barriers that exist for individuals, but that trend is evermore changing as mental health awareness and resources have increased over time. The process for signing up with CIPSRT is relatively easy and accessible to everyone, which proceeds as the following:

The Process:

As you can see, no matter what trauma you are facing, CIPSRT is here to help you when you are in time of need. Your mental health is one of the most important factors in your life and having this service from CIPSRT is one to explore.

If you want to learn more about the organization, visit the website here to see more!

CIPSRT Website

CASARA