In recognition of the impact that EMS work has on staff, Toronto EMS facilitates a host of psychological support systems. These support systems include a Psychologist, Peer Support Team, Employee Assistance Program, and Extended Health Benefits.

Peer Support Team

The Toronto EMS Peer Support Team was developed to provide trained support among colleagues. The Peer Support Team includes primary and advanced care paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, and support staff. The Peer Support Team is available on an urgent basis to respond to critical incidents and personal crises. The Peer Support Team is also available for ongoing consultation and to facilitate referrals as needed.

Psychologist

Dr. Lori Gray is involved in acute psychological care for the Toronto EMS staff, supervision of the Peer Support Team, facilitation of appropriate referrals, program and policy development, teaching, research, and regular attendance on ride outs. Dr. Gray is a licensed clinical, rehabilitation, and forensic psychologist. She has strived to tackle the issue of trauma from multiple angles by working with first responders, trauma victims, and perpetrators. Dr. Gray has provided psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention to first responders and worked with numerous emergency services. Her research has focused on organizational approaches to addressing traumatic stress in the emergency services.

Key experiences include employment and collaboration with emergency service organizations, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (the Psychological Trauma Program and the Law and Mental Health Program), Detroit Receiving Hospital (the level one trauma centre in inner city Detroit), private practice settings, certification with the National Organization for Victim Assistance, and various other experiences. Dr. Gray has published results of her research and has served as a public speaker, presenting the results of her research locally to internationally. In the context of her role with Toronto EMS, Dr. Gray is also involved in consultation with associated agencies. She presently serves as the Director of Clinical Mental Health for the Tema Conter Memorial Trust and serves on the Executive Committee of the Ontario Psychological Association Disaster Response Network.

For her work with first responders, emergency service organizations, and trauma survivors, Dr. Gray has received awards from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the Canadian Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the University of Windsor, and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program. She received the Future Pioneers of Psychology Award from the American Psychological Association and was nominated for the Governor Generalís Academic Gold Medal. Dr. Gray was also the recipient of the G.L.A.D. award for teaching and mentorship at the University of Windsor.

You can contact Dr. Gray at lgray2@toronto.ca and 416-392-5400.

Employee Assistance Program

Employees of Toronto EMS may also utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP offers confidential short-term counselling as well as information and referral services to employees and eligible family members. The EAP assists employees with workplace, personal, or relationship concerns, legal advice, and financial counselling.

City of Toronto EAP: 416-392-6633
Family Services: 1-800-668-9920

Extended Health Benefits

In addition to the other mentioned supports, employees' extended health benefits provide additional coverage for psychological services. For further information, please contact Manulife Financial directly at 1-800-815-8333.