myAIPMMental health of our first responders
The role of Commonwealth, state and territory Governments in addressing the high rates of mental health conditions experienced by first responders, emergency service workers and volunteers. "There are over 80 000 full-time emergency workers in Australia. These professionals perform an indispensable function in the community, dealing with vulnerable people in urgent need who may be injured, in a state of heightened anxiety, shock or distress, in danger or deceased. They do this in circumstances where their own safety may be at significant risk. By definition, these jobs entail highly challenging working conditions and regular exposure to traumatic experiences, including both direct and vicarious trauma. They often work on irregular shift patterns, and face long hours, fatigue and the need to make often critical decisions under constant time pressure. They do this almost every day, for years on end."
Source: Australian Parliament and available from this link.