Systemic Treatment of CF members with PTSD

Table of Contents

Investigative Team

Executive summary

Facts

Findings

Introduction

Complaint

Investigative process

Summary of facts concerning Cpl McEachern

A. Events prior to PTSD diagnosis

B. Events following PTSD diagnosis

C. Response of unit

D. Events following recommendation to release

E. Events of 15 March 2001

F. Events following 15 March 2001

Part One: Prevalence of PTSD within the CF

Historical prevalence

Current prevalence

Summary and recommendations

Part Two: Diagnosis and treatment of PTSD

Diagnostic criteria

Treatment of PTSD

Summary

Part Three: Attitudes to PTSD in the CF

Attitudes to PTSD at the unit and peer group level

Resentment toward members with PTSD

Reluctance of members to seek help

Summary and recommendation

Part Four: General education and training about PTSD

Investigating CF education and training about PTSD

Current training provided

Unit training initiatives

The importance of education and training about PTSD

Comparison to other organizations

Effective delivery of PTSD-related education and training

Rx 2000

CF communications initiatives

Summary and recommendations

Part Five: Deployment-related training and procedures

Land Force policies

Predeployment screening

Critical incident stress debriefings

In-theatre reintegration briefings

Summary and recommendations

Part Six: Education for caregivers

Summary and recommendations

Part Seven: Administrative response

Annual leave policy

Occupational transfer

Transitioning soldiers off the SPHL (fit for release)

Summary and recommendation

Part Eight: Systemic issues

Treatment of Reservists and augmentees

The MPHL/SPHL

OTSSCs

Care for caregivers

Treatment and support for families

Peer support concept

Confidentiality of medical information

Resource issues

Recruitment and retention

Co-operation/co-ordination challenges

PTSD co-ordinator

Summary and recommendations

Conclusion

Summary of recommendations

List of abbreviations