Matthew Heneghan is a former medic with the 1st Field Ambulance in the Canadian Armed Forces. Following his release, Matthew worked as a civilian paramedic for almost 15 years. His experiences led to him being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2017 and forced him to recalculate his career trajectory. In 2019, Matthew published his memoir, A Medic’s Mind, chronicling his experiences, struggles and path toward recovery. He also started a podcast called Matthew Heneghan: Unfiltered. In addition to sharing his stories in his book, book tours and speaking engagements, Matthew also shares his experience as part of Historica Canada’s Memory Project, speaking with schools and other organizations who request a speaker.
In 2006, while serving with the 1st Field Ambulance, Matthew was selected as a pallbearer for Corporal Andrew James-Eykelenboom, who was killed while on mission in Afghanistan. Over the course of several days, Matthew fulfilled his harrowing duties, accompanying Corporal Eykelenboom’s remains from Trenton, Ontario, to his final resting place in Comox, British Columbia.
Two years later, Matthew was selected as a member of the honour guard for Corporal Michael Starker, who was also killed while on mission in Afghanistan. Subsequently, his unit was given orders to attend the open casket viewing of their slain comrade and bestow condolences to the grieving widow and family. One day after releasing from the Canadian Armed Forces, Matthew received a call to return to the unit. Having released, he was unable to do so, however, he soon discovered the reasoning behind the call was that his closest friend, Private Colin Wilmot had been killed in Afghanistan.
Following his release, Matthew became a civilian paramedic for the city of Edmonton. During a 911 call in 2010, Matthew saved one of his fellow medics from the 1st Field Ambulance from an attempted suicide.
Matthew chronicles his experiences as a military and civilian medic in his memoir A Medic’s Mind. Since 2018, Matthew has also hosted the podcast Matthew Heneghan: Unfiltered, which has been downloaded over 56,000 times. Matthew openly speaks about his struggle with mental health and constantly strives to help others in their struggles and end the stigma associated with mental health. He unabashedly places himself in the crosshairs of criticism, all in the pursuit of self-betterment and the healing of others.
If you are a Veteran, a family member or a caregiver who needs mental health support, the VAC Assistance Service is available to you 24/7, 365 days a year, at no cost. Call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional today.