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UNITED BY TRAUMA – PTSD

September 16, 2015 | 18 Comments

Supporting Emergency Service Workers

Firefighter

Each year, the organization United by Trauma (UbyT) holds and event to show their appreciation to all emergency response workers and military members for the emotional sacrifices made every day. This year’s United by Trauma Ball Hockey Codiac Cup took place at the Barrie Molson Centre, in Barrie Ontario (Canada). As well as ball hockey, the event included Helicopter Rides, a Dog Agility Course and BBQ and Bjeer Gardens. During this all-day event, I had the pleasure of meeting some of the new ‘United by Trauma “Ernie’s Journey” Service Pups.’ Funds generated by this event go towards training and caring for Service Dogs until they are deemed ready to team with their person.

In May, the organization also holds a sponsored run, followed by a rock concert – i Run & Rock.   Co-founders include James Ward-York Regional Police Services, Wayne Dufour-Barrie Police Service and Nicole Taylor-OR Nurse/Veteran as well as Dog training organization In Canis Speramus and Sam Reid of ‘Glass Tiger’ . Sam Reid has been headlining the i Run & Rock concert for each of the three years the event has taken place.

Ernie’s Journey is an outreach program developed by United by Trauma. The first step in providing support to first responders, soldiers and veterans affected with post-traumatic stress disorder is to match them with specific dogs to mitigate the effects of PTSD. Ernie’s Journey, named in honour of X’Caliber (AKA Ernie Taylor). Ernie is a Chocolate Barbet French Water Dog that works with many first responders, soldiers, veterans and medical professionals. One example of PTSD is nightmares. The Service dogs are trained to recognize signs and react accordingly.

ladies.jpg

As I watched the camaraderie between not only the members of each Ball Hockey team but the entire Emergency Services team, I felt incredibly humble. These are individuals that put themselves at risk every day to make our world a better place. I was truly honored to participate in the event and support these individuals. Volunteers of United by Trauma are primarily first responders and community members.

Ernie and guys

The inaugural event took place in 2013 after an initial discussion between volunteers from various emergency services, military and medical personnel. This team of peers is made up of passionate individuals who continue to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues so common among emergency responders.

Reactions to frightening situations, such as nervousness, inability to sleep and to replay the event over in one’s mind is normal. These reactions usually subside over time, and the affected person(s) resume their normal activities without further disruption. Post-traumatic stress disorder lasts much longer and can leave a person or persons incapacitated.

PTSD causes people to re-live the traumatic event, having vivid nightmares, flashbacks, or thoughts of the event that seem to come from nowhere. Often, individuals will go out of their way to avoid things or situations that remind them of the event. For example, survivors of an automobile accident might avoid driving, or travel, all together.

PTSD also affects the nervous system as individuals constantly feel ‘on edge,’ startle easily, have a hard time concentrating, feel irritable, and experience difficulty sleeping. They often experience a sense of foreboding, even when they are safe. Some people feel very numb and detach themselves from reality, disconnecting from their physical and mental self and have difficulty feeling emotions.

Without support and treatment, some people may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with PTSD.

Certain occupations create a greater risk to individuals, and those individuals are more likely to find themselves in dangerous situations. Military personnel, first responders (police, firefighters, and paramedics), doctors, and nurses experience higher rates of PTSD than other professions.

The annual event, hosted by United by Trauma generates valuable funds used to promote research, awareness, and community outreach for the resilient heroes affected by the traumas of their professions. The coming together of colleagues and community members demonstrates a strong network of support to these heroes and lets them know they are not alone.

CTV Barrie: Hockey fundraiser

“We know that our sub-culture is comprised of selfless professionals that tend to put everyone else before themselves and sometimes their families. We are the helpers that spend most of our time taking care of others and solving problems, and then feel frustrated and defeated when we can’t seem to fix our own.

We know that our professions spend countless hours training on how to physically survive every worst-case scenario and that losing is never an option. We also know also know that no one has read us the fine print that we will see, smell, hear, and feel the unimaginable, and that those experiences will stay with us forever.

We are peers that want you to know that you are not alone, that what we feel is normal, and it is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.

Thank you to all that serve and sacrifice in our communities.”

Archer 36 x 24 Super Hero

Visit Her and Her Dogs at a later date to learn more about the role of Service Dogs


Resources recommended by i Run & Rock
http://www.irunandrock.ca/#!resources/co2z
Upcoming Events

http://www.irunandrock.ca/#!get-involved/cfvg

In Canis Speramus
www.greatservicedogs.com 

 

 

 

Categories: FOR A CAUSE Tagged: Emergency Services, Health and Wellness, PTSD, Service Dogs, Training

Comments

  1. Jeanne Melanson says

    September 18, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    I love organizations such as this one. I especially love when people and animals come together for the good of all. These are amazing beings. I thank you for sharing. 🙂
    Jeanne Melanson recently posted…Top 20 Pet Care Sites to Follow in 2015My Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      September 20, 2015 at 4:55 pm

      Thanks Jeanne!

      Reply
  2. Carleen says

    September 18, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    What a great organization. I like that they have a run too! (I’m a runner)
    Carleen recently posted…The Russo Rescue Collection #MountainArtwear T shirts Plus GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      September 20, 2015 at 4:54 pm

      Great event for peeps and their pups!

      Reply
  3. Tenacious Little Terrier says

    September 18, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Sounds like an excellent organization! I’m glad there’s a group like this to help people who need it.

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      September 20, 2015 at 4:53 pm

      Indeed. Amazing people!

      Reply
  4. Robin says

    September 18, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    I am glad to see that there are groups out there helping the sufferers of PTSD. So many people with PTSD get it while helping to keep the rest of us safe and out of harm’s way. It is a great idea to train service dogs to help them because dogs can be so much easier to deal with than humans. They provide a level of compassion and support that doesn’t come with any social strings.
    Robin recently posted…Delightibles & Pet Action Plus: A Double ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      September 20, 2015 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks Robin. Well said!

      Reply
  5. Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and Cats says

    September 20, 2015 at 6:44 pm

    I never heard of a Chocolate Barbet French Water Dog. That’s a first. No matter, I think what these dogs and people do is tremendous. PTSD is real and horrible. And to have a faithful friend by a person’s side to help him or her through it is awesome.
    –Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
    Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and Cats recently posted…The Beast at the Bottom of the Stairs, or My Cat Waiting for DinnerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      September 22, 2015 at 8:12 am

      I’ve only know them as Barbet. I don’t see them very often and the first one I met, I mistook for a small Portuguese Water Dog. Nonetheless, this is how Ernie was introduced to me. Dogs Animals are amazing therapy. Thank you Susan.

      Reply
  6. Michelle Wolff says

    September 20, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    This is my passion and my coaching specialty. When I was a therapist I specialized in trauma and PTSD as well as Secondary Trauma Syndrome in healers and helpers. So glad to see posts covering trauma and service workers
    Michelle Wolff recently posted…Kitty Kush: Your Cats Want This!My Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      September 22, 2015 at 8:08 am

      Yes, so many different groups are at risk and need support. Thanks for all you do to help.

      Reply
  7. Sweet Purrfections says

    September 20, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    There is so much research to show how people and children can heal, cope, and survive with the aid of animals. Thank you for sharing this post.
    Sweet Purrfections recently posted…Sunday SelfieMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      September 22, 2015 at 8:05 am

      Thank you for visiting!

      Reply
  8. Cathy Armato says

    September 20, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    What a wonderful event! Sounds like a great organization, thanks for sharing. I love when dogs can help those who are suffering from PTSD and other conditions.
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
    Cathy Armato recently posted…Keep Your Dog Safe With StyleMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      September 22, 2015 at 8:05 am

      Thanks Cathy – wonderful group of people indeed.

      Reply
  9. Talent Hounds says

    September 20, 2015 at 11:48 pm

    Fantastic post- we love organizations like this. PTSD can be a huge issue for so many people and dogs can make a huge difference in their lives. So glad you got to support them but sad we missed you at Pet Expo. Woofstock next weekend?
    Talent Hounds recently posted…how to brighten up the dayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      September 22, 2015 at 8:04 am

      We’re sorry we missed you too! Next weekend Granny & Granddad are coming to see the furkids. I will have to visit your wonderfully organized site to learn of upcoming events and note them on my calendar. Hopefully I can attend those as well as provide support to rescue organizations.

      Reply

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