"We handle disorder and confusion effectively"

In the heart of Quebec, a growing concern has emerged within the fire services, as multiple firefighters have tragically taken their own lives. This crisis, rooted in the stressful and unpredictable nature of their work, has been highlighted by coroners and frontline interveners alike.

In 2021, a firefighter in Boisbriand, whose name remains undisclosed, lost his life to suicide. Three years later, another firefighter in Temiscamingue met a similar fate, living with "a state of significant psychological distress and physical exhaustion resulting from his work."

The lack of an employee aid program and the delayed access to regular psychologist follow-ups have been identified as contributing factors. Despite efforts in the health network, it seems that help did not come soon enough for these firefighters.

The coroner investigating the Boisbriand firefighter's death noted that firefighters rarely admit their vulnerability, a trait that may hinder them from seeking the help they need. This observation was echoed in the case of a firefighter in Montreal, who found a neighbour dead, with his head on a table saw in the basement, covered in blood. The tragic incident, coupled with the fact that the deceased was the same age as his daughter, left a deep impact on the firefighter.

In Montreal, where over 130,000 calls were received last year, 80,000 of which were first responder calls, the risk of trauma is significant. According to a study by the SIM, 15% of these calls are "trauma-risk."

The psychological support and safety net provided to firefighters in Quebec is lacking, according to frontline interveners. There's a lack of specialized interveners for emergency workers in Quebec, a gap that has been underscored by the coroner's reports.

In an effort to address this crisis, the Ministry of Public Security launched a campaign in March 2025 to raise awareness and prevent suicide among public security personnel. They reminded managers about the existence of PSPNET, a specialized therapy service in Quebec. However, the organization that offers specialized therapy services for firefighters, the "Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ)", through its programs tailored for first responders, including firefighters, addressing mental health and trauma support, may not be readily available or accessible to all.

Despite these challenges, the resilience of firefighters should not be underestimated. The deceased firefighter in Boisbriand, who had served since 1998, was known for his meticulous nature and dedication to helping people, often working double his hours in overtime. His colleagues remember him as a diligent and caring individual, always ready to lend a hand.

As the fire services in Quebec grapple with this crisis, it is crucial to address the gaps in psychological aid and training, and to ensure that the help needed is accessible to all firefighters. Their courage and dedication to serving their communities should not come at the cost of their mental health and wellbeing.