Mr. Schlosser discussed the need for corporate consistency in the application of the return to work policy. He explained that the revised policy 08-001 provided an expanded detail on the procedures for an early and safe return to work for County employees. He also advised that it was further recommended that there be dedicated human resource personnel to facilitate the administration of all that the revised policy entails, and the necessary amendments would be proposed at budget time.
Mr. Schlosser further discussed the details of the policy, the objectives and impacts.
Mr. McNamara questioned the policy development process and whether, when developing new corporate policy, consideration was made for a critical incident team to assess first responders as they face the possibility of PTSD.
Mr. Schlosser indicated additional programs at the departmental level were available and would be expanded upon, where required to address these issues as they arise.
Chief Krauter elaborated on the EWEMS Peer Support Program and the fundamental need for the program. He reported that first responders were impacted by their work, but the peer support program and others like it have a positive impact on all first responders.