ABSTRACT

The opioid crisis in Canada has led to over 9,000 opioid-related deaths. The impact of this crisis on frontline workers is poorly understood. We spoke to 14 frontline workers to explore the impact of the opioid crisis on their work, examine perceptions of supports in the workplace, and identify recommendations to mitigate overdose-related stressors. Findings suggest that workers are experiencing significant increases in stress/burnout. Perceived stressors included new/increased job duties, fear of deaths, inadequate staffing/training, heightened vigilance, and fears for safety. Additional counseling, debriefing, staffing, training, and recreation were recommended. Public policies favoring harm reduction are also discussed.

摘要

加拿大的阿片类药物危机已导致 9,000 多人与阿片类药物相关的死亡。这场危机对一线工人的影响知之甚少。我们与 14 名一线员工进行了交谈，探讨阿片类药物危机对其工作的影响，检查对工作场所支持的看法，并确定减轻过量服用相关压力的建议。调查结果表明，工人的压力/倦怠感正在显着增加。感知压力源包括新的/增加的工作职责、对死亡的恐惧、人员配备/培训不足、高度警惕和对安全的恐惧。建议进行额外的咨询、汇报、人员配备、培训和娱乐。还讨论了有利于减少危害的公共政策。