BC Fire Fighter
Occupational Awareness Training©

Level 1

Program Overview

Fire Fighter Occupational Awareness Training© is a 12-module program designed to enhance frontline knowledge of mental health injuries and reduce the emotional and behavioural impact of a career in public safety.

The curriculum combines the lived experience of those serving on the frontline with recognized subject matter experts in the field of public safety mental health.

By the end of year 1, course participants will be provided a toolkit of “self- rescue” strategies and a clear pathway to accessing occupationally aware healthcare resources in British Columbia.

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Course Curriculum

    1. Tell Us About You

    1. How to successfully complete this course:

    2. Course Walkthrough

    1. Intellectual Property

    2. Course Curriculum

    3. Resources & Education Disclaimer

    1. Download Instructions

    2. Complete Crew Discussion Guide (Optional Download)

    1. Video Lesson

    1. Number of Viewers

    2. Crew Discussion Guide

    3. Video Lesson

About this course

  • 12 Lesson Program
  • 2 Hours of Video Content

Proudly sponsored by:

Instructor(s)

Dr. Duncan Shields

Senior Instructor

Dr. Duncan Shields, PhD. is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Shields specializes in the treatment of post incident trauma and operational stress injuries, with a focus on resiliency maintenance. Dr. Shields developed the First Responder Resiliency Program which has provided support to over 300 first responders.

Matt Johnston

Course Designer

Matt Johnston is the co-founder of First Responder Health, an organization dedicated to enhancing the behavioural health and well-being of first responders through online counselling, training for healthcare professionals and organizational support services.


A registered mental health professional and full-time firefighter, Matt has mastered the art of closing the gap between service providers and first responders. Matt’s skill set is grounded by twenty years of study in the field of psychology and over ten years in clinical practice. His unique approach to conceptualizing trauma is an introspective blend of academic training, clinical practice and direct experience of attending over 2,500 emergency calls as a firefighter in Metro Vancouver. Through his proactive, strengths-based approach, Matt’s ultimate goal is to alleviate the mental health crisis gripping public safety personnel across North America.