Media Advisory - Disaster Psychiatry Canada: Psychiatric Dimensions of Disasters

Dr. Frank Sommers looks to establish a Canadian framework for crisis preparedness

TORONTO, April 18, 2018 /CNW/ - The inaugural training course for Disaster Psychiatry Canada: Psychiatric Dimensions of Disasters will take place Saturday, April 21. The conference aims to discuss psychiatric preparedness in Canada for future incidents and disasters and to explore best practices to ease the psychological burden faced by those subjected to trauma following mass-casualties.

There will be four main learning objectives at the conference which will feature world-renowned psychiatrists, government officials and first-responders from across North America.

• Develop a basic familiarity with the special clinical and research issues surrounding the psychiatry as well as the emotional effects of disasters on victims and relief.
• Identify the major psychiatric symptoms and syndromes following disasters.
• Identify the various clinical options available in treating disaster victims.
• Identify the complexities of working at a disaster site.

Speakers will have a significant expertise in their respective fields and will include representatives from the RCMP and the Red Cross, as well as psychiatrists who worked in the aftermath of the mass-shootings at Sandy Hook and Marjory Stoneman Douglas schools.

Mission Statement - Disaster Psychiatry Canada
To develop and maintain a well-trained and committed team of psychiatric specialists able to serve the mental health needs of people and communities affected by disasters, in coordination with emergency and public health responders. DPC's goals also include the reduction and prevention of post-disaster mental illness, while fostering resilience among those affected.

Biography
Dr. Frank Sommers MD, FRCPC, DFAPA, is a Psychiatrist, veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, a refugee to Canada, and an anti-nuclear advocate with decades of experience in medicine and public policy.

During the Cold War in 1979, he initiated, and in 1984 was elected Honourary and Founding President of Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Canadian affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, recipients of the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize.

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association