August 1,2025
RED FM News Desk
The union representing British Columbia’s paramedics is raising serious concerns over a troubling rise in suicides among its members, warning that the profession is in urgent need of support.
In a statement, the Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. (APBC) revealed that a record number of paramedic suicides occurred in the first half of 2025. However, they clarified that rumours circulating online claiming nine suicides this year are incorrect, noting that most of the deaths were actually due to health-related issues or accidents.
The union also highlighted that over 30% of paramedics and dispatchers are either currently receiving mental health treatment while still working, or are off duty because of job-related stress.
“These numbers are staggering,” said APBC president Jason Jackson. “We’re deeply concerned these statistics reflect the intense workload, chronic staffing shortages, and increasing call volumes our members face every day.”
Despite the demanding nature of the job—both physically and emotionally—many paramedics and dispatchers are still reluctant to seek help.
“There are people who can’t even say the words ‘mental health’ because of shame and guilt,” said Nicki Ropp, APBC’s health and wellness coordinator. “We now know that it can take up to 30 days or more to process traumatic experiences.”
Ropp noted that while the stigma surrounding mental health is beginning to fade, the reality is that first responders don’t just leave the job behind when they go home. To help identify those in distress, a new system allows family members to report concerning behaviour to the Critical Incident Stress Team, which then proactively reaches out to the worker.
She added that the compounding impact of the opioid crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the heat dome, wildfires, floods, and ongoing staffing shortages has taken a heavy toll.
In response, B.C. Emergency Health Services has ramped up recruitment efforts in recent years, especially after the provincial government eliminated standby pay and made permanent, full-time roles available in smaller communities. However, progress has been uneven—many ambulances remain out of service, even in urban areas like the Lower Mainland, due to ongoing difficulties in keeping pace with rising demand and a growing population.
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