Ambulance Victoria has announced 12 new canine recruits as part of a peer support program for frontline staff coping with the emotional aftermath of traumatic emergency situations.
The Minister for Ambulance Services, Jenny Mikakos said the Ambulance Victoria Peer Support Dog Program started in May last year and was now being expanded and rolled out across the state.
“Every day our hard-working paramedics face major trauma, responding to life threatening emergencies and saving lives,” Ms Mikakos said.
“We are doing everything we can to protect their mental wellbeing,” she said.
“These cuddly and affectionate dogs are a wonderful way to help paramedics start to talk openly about mental health in high-stress jobs.”
Ms Mikakos said research had shown that the suicide rate for paramedics was four times higher than the State average and three times higher than for other emergency service workers.
She said emergency service workers also reported higher rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, stress and fatigue.
“Spending time with a peer support dog and handler can provide comfort and support,” she said.
“Breaking down the stigma associated with mental health and help start conversations with paramedics about mental health problems that can arise from their stressful work.”
Ms Mikakos said the program also raised awareness about the range of mental health support available to Victorian paramedics.
