Executive Summary Report co-authored by Dr. Duncan Shields & Todd Schierling
This report summarizes a clinical study published in Comprehensive Psychiatry evaluating the First Responder Resiliency Program (FRRP). The study monitored 220 Canadian first responders—including 114 firefighters—to determine the program’s efficacy in mitigating occupational stress and enhancing quality of life.
Background and Evolution
The FRRP’s initial implementation and research were made possible by a two-year grant from Movember. This funding covered 28 sessions conducted between 2021 and 2024.
Following the successful grant period, the program transitioned to a sustainable user-pay model. It is now collectively administered by:
BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA)
BC Police Association
Participation included IAFF members from across Canada.
Key Study Results
The evaluation revealed significant, enduring improvements across all primary psychological markers, with data collected at baseline, two weeks post-program, and at a six-month follow-up.
Clinically Significant Symptom Reduction: Participants showed "large" to "medium-large" decreases in symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and PTSD.
Successful Return to Work: 60% of participants who were on medical leave at the start of the program successfully returned to active duty following the intervention.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Members reported substantial gains in life satisfaction and their ability to navigate social and professional roles.
Long-Term Stability: Unlike many short-term mental health interventions, the positive gains recorded immediately after the program remained stable at the six-month mark.
Social Return on Investment (SROI)
The FRRP demonstrated exceptional value relative to its funding. According to the University of Canberra FRRP Evaluation Report (2024):
Direct Impact: For every $1 USD invested by Movember, the program generated $5.48 USD in social value.
Efficiency: This represents a 448% social return, which remains high even when accounting for additional in-kind and operational costs.
Source: BluePrint FRRP Summary Participant Outcomes & University of Canberra, FRRP Evaluation Report 2024
Conclusion: A Proven Framework for Resiliency
The Movember-funded grant period provided the rigorous clinical environment necessary to confirm a vital truth: the FRRP works. By delivering measurable, long-term relief from occupational stress and facilitating a successful return to work for a majority of participants, the program has moved beyond a "pilot" phase and is now a proven clinical standard.
In addition, the unanimous adoption of NR12 Resolution: Health and Wellbeing of BC’s Public Safety Personnel (submitted by North Vancouver City) at the Union of BC Municipalities in September 2025 underscores the urgent need for this intervention. With local governments now calling on the Provincial Government to commit $3M in funding, the evidence is clear that the FRRP is not just a health necessity, but a high-value investment in the safety of our communities.
As we transition to our current administrative model, we urge our affiliates to leverage these findings. This data provides the foundation to advocate for the permanent integration of the FRRP into our members' health and wellness benefits, ensuring that those who protect our province have the evidence-based support they deserve.
Dr. Duncan Shields, Adjunct Professor - Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Blueprint - Military and First Responder Resiliency Projects Co-founder, Blueprint., Dr. Duncan Shields, R.Psych.
Todd Schierling, President, BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association; Captain with Surrey Fire Services; IAFF 6th District Representative.
Reference:
Duncan M Shields, Jan Klimas, Theo Niyonsenga, Kevin Lutz, Aynsley J. Wong, David Kuhl, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 3rd floor David Strangway Building, 5950 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada Received 30 December 2024, Revised 30 October 2025, Accepted 5 December 2025, Available online 8 December 2025, Version of Record 12 December 2025.
Review Full Article here: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X25000781
About FRRP
Since 2017, with the BCPFFA, Blueprint has delivered FRRP to active duty fire fighters across BC and beyond; in 2019, the program was modified in collaboration with the BCPA to deliver resiliency education to law enforcement officers. Together, these organizations represent over 10,000 first responders across the province of BC, and comprise the program’s participant pool. To date, almost 500 first responders have participated in the program. The program is an evidence-informed model created through a unique collaboration between first responder participants, the BCPFFA, BCPA, and Drs. Duncan Shields and David Kuhl from The Blueprint at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine.