Hi, my name is Dustin Baerg, and I'm reaching out for help during the hardest week of my life.

What Happened -- On Saturday, December 13, 2025, I witnessed a fatal industrial accident at a neighboring business next to my workplace in Airdrie, Alberta.

A man was critically injured in a violent accident involving glass and massive trauma. When I saw what happened, I immediately took action directing employees to use a forklift to release the man, calling 911 then jumping into the container to begin first aid. I held him as he was dying, trying to provide first aid and comfort in his final moments. There was significant blood and catastrophic injury. Despite my efforts to help, he passed away.

The Aftermath -- What I didn't expect was what came next. In the days following this traumatic event, I've developed severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Autistic Regression. I'm having severe stimming episode, facial tics, dissociation and other symptoms.

I'm experiencing: Multiple panic attacks daily, Violent flashbacks and intrusive visual memories (blood, injury, his face), Severe dissociation and shutdown episodes, Inability to sleep, Autistic burnout (I'm autistic, which amplifies trauma responses significantly) and Autistic Regression

On Thursday, December 18, my doctor placed me on medical leave for one month due to acute PTSD and psychological injury. I am medically unable to work.

Why I'm Asking for Help -- I've filed a Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) psychological injury claim for witnessing a workplace fatality, but the approval process takes weeks. During this time, I have zero income and still have bills to pay—rent, utilities, food, and urgent therapy expenses. I'm also the sole employee at my workplace, which is directly next door to where this happened. Every time I go there, I can see the building where he died. I'm honestly not sure if I'll ever be able to return to work there without severe panic attacks. I may need to find new employment once I recover.

What the Funds Will Cover -- Any donations will go directly toward:

Rent and utilities while on medical leave, Food and basic necessities, Trauma therapy (EMDR or specialized PTSD treatment for violent trauma), Medical expenses not covered by insurance, Living expenses during the 2-4 week gap before WCB benefits begin.

The Reality of Witnessing Violent Death research shows that nearly 10% of people who witness violent traumatic death develop full PTSD, with another 25% experiencing significant trauma symptoms. I'm autistic, which research shows makes PTSD recovery 20-30% harder and longer.

I didn't hesitate to help. I ran toward someone in crisis. But I never imagined that trying to comfort a dying person would leave me unable to work, unable to sleep, and struggling to function.

What Recovery Looks Like --

My doctor, therapist, and WCB adjudicator have all confirmed this is a severe psychological injury resulting from witnessing a workplace fatality. Recovery will take months of specialized trauma therapy. I'm committed to healing, but I need financial stability to focus on treatment rather than worrying about how to pay rent.

How You Can Help -- If you're able to contribute, even $10-$20 makes a real difference. If you can't donate, sharing this campaign helps too. I'm overwhelmed by the support I've already received from friends, family, and my girlfriend Michelle—but we're both struggling right now and could really use community help.

Before this day I'd spent 10 years of my life overcoming everything from suicide in my teens to homelessness in my 20s. I went from an overweight smoker at 35 to a formidable triathlete and nutritionist at 44.

Now that all seems so far away...the joy I once had.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And if you or someone you know ever witnesses something traumatic, please know you're not alone. This is real, and it's okay to ask for help.

With gratitude,

Dustin Baerg

Airdrie, Alberta