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Exploring Canadian Paramedic Leaders' Mental Health
Purpose:
The purpose of the research is to explore what helps or hinders mental health among Canadian paramedic leaders, and what resources may be possible to support their mental health. The research results will create evidence-based knowledge based on lived experiences of Canadian Paramedic Leaders, that could be utilized by paramedic organizations to address and support Canadian Paramedic Leaders’ mental health. The intended outcomes of the research include providing awareness, knowledge translation, a building block for further research on Canadian Paramedic Leaders’ Mental Health.
Research Aims
1. To determine the current self-reported state of mental health among Canadian paramedic leaders.
2. To determine the perspectives of Canadian paramedic leaders on what is helping and what is hindering their mental health based on organizational, operational, or personal factors.
3. To determine the ‘wish list’ of what Canadian paramedic leaders would like in the future to mitigate mental health challenges based on organizational, operational, or personal factors.
Mental Health Resources
About the researcher
Heather Edward served as a paramedic in various roles and services across Canada. Heather started her career as a primary care paramedic in 1999 and became an advanced care paramedic in 2004. Heather accepted paramedic leadership roles including Superintendent (Education and Operations), Director (Operations) and Deputy Chief (Operations).
Heather holds a Master of Arts degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph and is currently working on her Doctorate from the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen's University. In 2023, Heather transitioned from paramedicine to healthcare philanthropy. Heather currently serves as the CEO of a non-profit organization supporting the hospital and healthcare in her community. Heather lives on Vancouver Island with her husband (a retired police officer), two children and two Frenchies.
Research Progress, Thesis and Publications
As the research progresses, this section will share which section of the research is currently being completed. When the research is completed, links to the thesis and any publications will be presented in this section.
