This blog summarizes the results of a recent study published in Comprehensive Psychiatry evaluating the First Responder Resiliency Program (FRRP). 220 Canadian first responders took part to evaluate the effectiveness of the program in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Key takeaways from the published resiliency evaluation:
• First responders regularly face trauma and stress as part of their everyday duties.
• First responders and first responder organizations are seeking better resources.
• Police and Firefighters experience lasting benefit from attending an intensive residential program.
• Combining life review therapy with trauma-focused education benefited participants.
• Peers may be able to provide a “good enough” recovery environment for each other.
Cited study: Shields, D. M., Klimas, J., Niyonsenga, T., Lutz, K., Wong, A. J., & Kuhl, D. (2026). Evaluation of a residential group therapy program for Canadian first responders. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 145, 152650. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2025.152650
If you enjoyed this post, you might wish to read other posts about psychotherapy.
About FRRP resiliency program
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 went through the program. The program is an evidence-informed model created through a collaboration between first responder participants, organizations, and The Blueprint at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine.
Resiliency Program Design
The FRRP is a 3.5-day (34-hour) intensive residential program. It is designed to bypass the stigma often associated with clinical settings by using a “resiliency” framework rather than a “mental health” label.
● Clinician-Led: Small groups (avg. 7.7 participants) are facilitated by two licensed mental health professionals.
● Life Review: A core component where members share narratives of their life and service to process cumulative trauma.
● Skill Acquisition: Focuses on self-regulation (breathing, mindfulness) and cognitive tools to manage work-related stress.
Resiliency Curriculum
The curriculum integrates several evidence-based therapeutic frameworks:
● Day 1: Focuses on group building, communication skills, and self-regulation techniques like mindfulness and breathing.
● Day 2: Explores major life events from before entering service through written narratives.
● Day 3: Explores significant life experiences since becoming a first responder, focusing on normalizing trauma.
● Day 4: Goal setting and preparing to return to daily life with a “Resilience Action Plan”.