First Responders Face Trauma, PTSD Coverage Uncertain
First responders often face harrowing situations, and volunteer firefighter Chris Scott's experience with a road fatality exemplifies the emotional toll it can take. Despite the incident happening over 20 years ago, the memory remains vivid, highlighting the need for adequate support.
While full-time and career first responders in Western Australia have access to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) coverage, volunteers, who make up the majority, do not. This disparity has raised concerns, especially considering the frequency of traumatic incidents they encounter.
In the 2023/'24 financial year alone, first responders attended over 3,200 road crash rescues, with 138 fatalities recorded so far this year, 82 of them on regional roads. These statistics underscore the potential for trauma exposure among first responders.
The WA Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Association is hopeful for reform, with assurances from the state government that legislation is being developed to extend presumptive PTSD coverage to volunteers. The association emphasizes the similarities in the work of volunteers and paid staff, arguing that both deserve equal protection.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has acknowledged the need for a suitable scheme to cover volunteers under the legislation. He has instructed the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner to propose the appropriate model to the state government.
The association remains optimistic about the future, believing that progress is being made towards ensuring volunteers receive the support they deserve. This would not only benefit the volunteers themselves but also strengthen the entire emergency services community.