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13| W aterloo C hronicle | T hursday,July 5,2018 w aterloochronicle.ca EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITYWATERLOOCHRONICLE.CA local news local sports local happenings CITY LIFE Visit waterloochronicle.ca for more coverage Local resident Bryan Stevens worked 30 years as a paramedic, the last 18 of them responding to "the worst calls" as a critical care flight paramedic aboard a helicopter out of London. In total, he figures he re- sponded to roughly 10,000 calls. "Really, that translates to being exposed to a major traumatic event every oth- er day for 30 years, so it's big," Stevens said matter- of-factly. "It's very high level," he said, acknowledging the training that paramedics must undergo, as well as their unwavering commit- ment to the job. Stevens said he always paid close attention to his physical fitness and that his hands-on education spans some of the top burn centres and trauma rooms in North America. But what being exposed to dead and burned bodies didn't prepare him for was dealing with the mental an- guish he experienced while on the job. "The one thing I did nothing about - and literal- ly nothing because I didn't even know you could or you should - was take care of my mental health," he said. "That's where it all just started creeping up on me." Stevens was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) in 2014. After undergoing 15 months of intensive thera- pies to help manage the symptoms, he was advised to not return to work due to the inevitability of re-trau- matization. Though he opt- ed for early retirement, a decision made in the best interests of himself and his family, it also left a huge void. "I was always part of a team," Stevens said. "It sounds cliché, but we were always a band of brothers and it wasn't until I left it that it hit me in the face. It's a bond most people don't understand." That ring of support is something Stevens is now attempting to recreate with a new wellness centre spe- cifically geared to first re- sponders inside a former automotive garage on Shir- ley Avenue in Kitchener. Along with partners Matt Morningstar and Ja- mie Montag, Stevens said the intent is to build a "first-of-its-kind" facility to ensure a safe and secure environment for front line workers. Dubbed Frontline For- ward, the centre will spe- cialize in working with paramedics, police, fire and military personnel, registered nurses, doctors, corrections officers and so- cial workers, offering on- site psychotherapy, physio- therapy and massage, fas- cial stretching therapy, a fully functional gym, lounge and yoga/medita- tion studio. Stevens recently final- ized an agreement with a psychologist and said there are about a dozen trainers and therapists interested in providing various ser- vices on site. "It's a massive under- taking and I don't really want to attach a dollar fig- ure," Stevens said of the 8,200-square-foot building that's currently being reno- vated and scheduled to open by the end of August. "You can go see a psy- chologist at their office or you can go to a gym or mas- sage therapist across town, but what we're offering that's far more than any- body else is we're going to have it all right here in one place," he said. A multipronged ap- proach to dealing with mental issues is important and can also aid in preven- tion, Stevens emphasized. "Having different prac- titioners can provide other modalities, because what works for one person doesn't work for another person," he said. "We can provide you with some pretty holistic, pretty amazing things so that you can continue working and end that career on your terms rather than being pushed out the door be- cause you can't deal with it anymore." A multi-purpose media room in the back of the building will be able to host 50 to 60 people for work- shops. "We'll run spin classes and boot camps out of here," Stevens said. "We'll hold weekly, monthly peer support group meetings. We'll have seminars and workshops specific to PTSD where we'll focus on not only the first respond- ers, but also on their fami- lies - the husbands, wives, sons and daughters." A greater emphasis is now being placed on the well-being of emergency re- sponders and those around them, Stevens said, noting that the growing acknowl- edgement of mental issues in the military has expan- ded the spotlight to the front lines here at home. Helping those who run to danger rather than run- ning from it is often a diffi- cult concept for people to grasp, yet in addition to a highly stressful workplace, they also have the same pressures from family and everyday life, he said. "They just go out each day and put a uniform on." The intent is to keep the facility open to clients 24-7. The lounge will feature a fireplace, TV, games and recliners. "We won't always have staff on hand, but it will provide them with a place to come and maybe not go to a bar or an empty house," Stevens said. "They can come here and know that the people who are here may be going through some of the same things and help them find solutions." While Frontline For- ward is committed to well- ness of the mind, body and soul, the most important thing is achieving a sense of family and community. Though most services and therapies are designed for unionized employees with comprehensive bene- fit packages, Stevens said he's looking to establish a reserve fund for those in the field who might not have the financial means to get help. "We're hoping that once we have a proven business concept here that we can reach out and maybe help in other communities," he said, "but right now our pri- mary focus is to help front line workers right here in K-W." More information about the initiative can be found online at frontlineforward- .com. New wellness centre dedicated to help first responders Bryan Stevens, and four-legged pal Max, stand outside the new Frontline Forward that's taking shape inside a former automotive garage at 47 Shirley Ave. Bill Jackson/Metroland Facility to offer various treatments for PTSD under one roof BILL JACKSON bjackson@kitchenerpost.ca