Health and Wellbeing

The mental, emotional and physical health and wellbeing of paramedics is paramount to the College. We know the mental and emotional toll that working in the emergency medical service takes on paramedics. Since 2014, the College has made a significant impact on improving paramedic wellbeing through the introduction of a national conference – the Survive and Thrive Paramedic Resilience Symposium.

College members will find a number of online learning resources in the learning portal from the Survive and Thrive conferences and other wellbeing events.

Online Resources

• Good Practice Frameworks for First Responder Organisations by Beyond Blue and the Mental Health Workplace Alliance.
• Recovery after Trauma: a guide for paramedics with posttraumatic stress disorder by Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Health.
• The Heads Up – Better mental health in the workplace resources by Beyond Blue and the Mental Health Workplace Alliance.
• myCompass is a free internet and smartphone-based program for people with mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety and stress. Developed by the Black Dog Institute to provide mental health support that is convenient and effective.

Australia

• Lifeline provides access to 24-hour crisis support, counselling and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue provides information and resources (including on PTSD), helpline – chat, email or phone: 1300 22 4636
• SANE Australia is a national mental health charity working to support four million Australians affected by complex mental illness: 1800 18 72 63

New Zealand

• The Samaritans offer confidential, non-religious and non-judgemental support to anyone who may be feeling depressed, lonely, or even be contemplating suicide: 0800 726 666
• Need to Talk 1737 is manned by government-funded counsellors 24/7. Phone or sms 1737
• Lifeline Aotearoa provides access to 24-hour crisis support, counselling and suicide prevention services: 0800 543 354
• The Depression Helpline provides resources, self-tests: helpline – email, sms 4202 or phone: 0800 111 757