❓ Details the number of peer support officers within DFES and their training, highlighting the department's commitment to mental health support for emergency service personnel and volunteers.
AnsweredQoN 3027Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) How many peer support officers have been appointed within DFES: (a) with career fire-fighters; and (b) with each of the volunteer groups operating under the aegis of the department? (2) For the officers appointed under (1) (a) and (b) please advise the nature, duration and dates training was given to those peer support officers?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 November 2014
Responded by
Minister for Emergency Services
Response time
35 days
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises:
(1)(a) 72
(1)(b) State Emergency Service - 28
Volunteer Marine Rescue Service - 16
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service - 8
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Units - 2
(2) Each of the above 126 Peer Support Officers were required to undergo 2 days initial training sometime between 1996 to 2007 after they were accepted into the program. Peer Support Officers were then required to periodically undertake 1 day refresher training.
Both training courses are generally conducted by a combination of psychologists, and emergency service personnel who have had experience in the Wellness field. The content of the training broadly covers:
· Communication and listening skills.
· Stress Management identification and management strategies.
· Problem Solving skills.
· Psychological First Aid.
· Suicide awareness.
· Responding to individuals in crisis processes.
· Resiliency.
· DFES Services available.
· Peer Support Program processes, procedures and supports.
(1)(a) 72
(1)(b) State Emergency Service - 28
Volunteer Marine Rescue Service - 16
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service - 8
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Units - 2
(2) Each of the above 126 Peer Support Officers were required to undergo 2 days initial training sometime between 1996 to 2007 after they were accepted into the program. Peer Support Officers were then required to periodically undertake 1 day refresher training.
Both training courses are generally conducted by a combination of psychologists, and emergency service personnel who have had experience in the Wellness field. The content of the training broadly covers:
· Communication and listening skills.
· Stress Management identification and management strategies.
· Problem Solving skills.
· Psychological First Aid.
· Suicide awareness.
· Responding to individuals in crisis processes.
· Resiliency.
· DFES Services available.
· Peer Support Program processes, procedures and supports.
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