The Union representing the New Brunswick paramedics feels the provincial government is stalling legislation that would give them access to Workers Compensation coverage for Post traumatic stress disorder.
The Private Members Bill proposes amendments that would allows first responders eligibility for the compensation with proving their PTSD condition is work related.
Spokesperson for CUPE local 4848 Denny Cogswell says a bill introduced by the Opposition passed second reading in the legislature last week, but it is being sent to Committee of the Whole. He says if they don’t keep the pressure on, the bill will just die out.
Cogswell says when paramedics respond to calls, they see things that the public couldn’t even fathom.
He says more and more first responders are suffering in silence from PTSD, and they need help at an early stage.
Cogswell says similar legislation was adopted in Alberta three years ago and other provincial jurisdictions are already following in their footstep.