Stress and Resilience: Harnessing Wearable Technology and Machine Learning for First Responders

Industries across Canada depend on professionals who face frequent exposure to trauma, including correctional officers, harm reduction staff, search and rescue teams, dispatchers, and others. Despite their essential roles, these workers are often excluded from mental health research and support initiatives.

This project is designed to strengthen the resilience of these overlooked professionals by conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups, in collaboration with industry leaders and experts. Its goals include:

• Understanding Challenges: Examining the unique mental health impacts faced by trauma response workers.
• Addressing Barriers: Identifying obstacles that hinder access to mental health support.
• Providing Solutions: Developing evidence-based training and tools to mitigate burnout and enhance well-being.
• Fostering Collaboration: Partnering with industry stakeholders to co-create resources tailored to workforce needs.

By delivering actionable insights and practical strategies, the project aims to help organizations build healthier, more resilient teams in trauma response fields.