WATCH ABOVE: After seeking medical help for his illness, a local paramedic is not allowed patient contact. Kendra Slugoski explains.
EDMONTON — After six years as a paramedic, David McAllister started to notice changes in his demeanour.
“Nightmares, hyper-vigilance to sounds and things like that,” McAllister recalls. “I’ve never really been an anxious person and I started having anxiety attacks at work, I’d have them at home – I wasn’t able to sleep,” McAllister recalls.
An aggressive outburst in front of his young daughter made him seek help from a psychologist.
“I think it was maybe 10, 15 minutes into the session and they were like ‘you have PTSD.'”
For McAllister, the diagnosis was a mixed blessing.
“On one token, it’s kind of a relief because you’re like ‘there is something actually wrong. It’s something they can put their finger on.’ The other part is you’re not supposed to get sick, you’re supposed to be this macho group of people who don’t really get sick, they can handle this, this is what they’re here to do.
“That was the humbling aspect. It can happen to anyone.”
McAllister saw a psychologist on a regular basis, enrolled in a program at the WCB Millard Clinic, and was eventually cleared to return to work.
But the Alberta College of Paramedics won’t renew his registration in full, which means he can’t have any contact with patients. The College has asked for his private medical report.
READ MORE: First responders with PTSD still facing barriers on the job
The College would not comment on the case due to confidentiality reasons, but it said its registration committee may ask for detailed documents to better understand the paramedic’s condition and the effect it may have on work.
“As outlined on our website, the registration committee will request information of the practitioner that pertains to their specific case or situation,” the College explained. “The information requested may include a comprehensive medical clearance detailing information about the practitioner’s current ability and suitability to practice paramedicine.”
“As a regulatory college we have a legislated obligation to ensure our members are able and fit to practice the profession.”
However, in the College’s written decision on McAllister, the WCB repeatedly states he is fit for the job and that the full report is not necessary.
“I have received full clearance from your psychologist… the medical reporting and abundant assessments confirm you are fit to return to full duties,” reads one statement.
“The WCB has determined Mr. McAllister is fit for his pre-accident job duties based on that report. No further treatment management is required nor additional assessments,” states another.
READ MORE: Is there enough mental health support for first responders?
McAllister says his employer has been very supportive. He’s back at work – doing office duties – but worries his livelihood is on the line.
“There’s a lot of concern with that. At what point does my employer say ‘enough is enough’?”
He hopes the roadblock he’s facing won’t discourage other paramedics from seeking help when they need it.
“It’s essentially driving the disease back underground that we’ve tried really hard to bring to the forefront so people can feel comfortable going to get help.”
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