Full Podcast: https://lovethenorth.ca/article/260920-sudbury-ward-10-derek-young Ward 10 candidate Derek Young says one of the realities of working in fire and emergency services is that the job exposes people to things most of us will hopefully never have to see. A firefighter may sign up thinking primarily about fires, rescues and helping people in emergencies. But over a career, the reality can include horrific vehicle collisions, serious injuries, deaths, overdoses, medical emergencies and repeated exposure to human trauma. Young gives the example of a relative who is a fire captain. He says new firefighters can quickly learn that the job is about much more than flames — including responding to crashes where people have died or suffered devastating injuries. That kind of exposure can add up. The same is true for paramedics, who may respond to the same person experiencing an overdose or medical crisis several times in a single day. Young says that repeated exposure can take a real toll on the mental health and morale of frontline workers. That is why training and mental-health support matter. **You cannot ask firefighters and paramedics to repeatedly walk into some of the worst moments of other people’s lives and pretend it has no effect on them.** Young’s broader point is that public safety is not just about having enough trucks, ambulances or staff. It is also about making sure the people answering those calls have the support, training and wellness resources they need to stay healthy throughout their careers. They may sign up to fight fires. **But over 20 or 30 years, they may witness a lifetime of trauma.** #Sudbury #DerekYoung #Ward10 #Firefighters #Paramedics #FirstResponders #MentalHealth #PTSD #PublicSafety #EMS #GreaterSudbury #NorthernOntario #LoveTheNorth