More than 350,000 full-time and volunteer emergency services personnel are on the frontline, protecting and caring for the public during emergencies and disasters in Australia. The demands of these roles are varied and complex, covering physical and psychological demands. They involve repeated exposure to traumatic situations, contributing to an increased risk of psychological harm and psychosocial hazard such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in emergency service workers.
Supporting the physical and mental health of emergency service workers in Australia has become an increasing priority. Emergency Service Agencies should prioritise mental health alongside physical safety by implementing comprehensive wellbeing strategies and encouraging early access to support. Investing in prevention and ongoing mental health help for emergency service workers can strengthen workforce resilience and improve outcomes for both employees and the communities they serve.
Findings from EML’s Inside the Minds of Australia’s Workplaces show that emergency services workers, law enforcement personnel, and other frontline government employees are among those experiencing the sharpest growth in psychological injury claims across Australia’s public administration and safety sector.
These emergency service workers often respond to traumatic incidents, managing crisis situations, and operating under sustained pressure, all of which can take a significant toll on mental wellbeing. As a result, burnout, psychological injuries, and PTSD remain prevalent within these professions, with the challenges becoming even more acute in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency services workers face a higher risk of PTSD and other psychological injuries due to repeated trauma and operational stress.
Our expert resources help workers, employers, clinicians and families better understand PTSD and support recovery.
For more than 20 years, EML has supported police, fire and ambulance personnel and their families with tailored care, recovery services and claims guidance. We bring in expert support early to help de-escalate issues and find a way forward before a claim is made.
We bring in psychological specialists who understand emergency services within the first 12 weeks of a claim, supporting early recovery and return to work.
Our Mobile Case Managers provide face-to-face support at home or in hospital, while our resources and RecoveryMate app help people navigate their recovery. Our specialist legal team also helps ensure emergency services workers receive their correct entitlements.
Because injury affects the whole family, our Family Centred Care program provides services, resources and practical support to help families better understand mental health conditions and access support.
Returning to the uniform isn’t always possible. We provide step-by-step support to alternative employment, medical discharge and community-based services, helping workers translate years of frontline experience into recognised qualifications and new career opportunities.
Knowing who might need extra support is critical to recovery. Our Biopsychosocial and Risk Screening tools help identify workers who may require specialist support so it can be provided quickly, even when the signs aren’t immediately obvious.
Each jurisdiction provides specific insights into the priorities, guidance and recommendations to address the risk profile of emergency service workers.
NSW Police Force – Wellbeing Support Services
This provides a range of confidential support available to police officers, employees, and their families. Services include psychological support, peer assistance, chaplaincy, and employee wellbeing programs that help personnel maintain their mental health and recover from challenging experiences.
NSW Ambulance Family Support Network
This offers practical guidance on mental health and self-care for ambulance staff and their families. It provides information on recognising the signs of stress, building resilience, and accessing support to help manage the psychological demands of emergency service work.
Fire and Rescue NSW – Support for Staff, Their Family, and Friends
This outlines the support services available to Fire and Rescue NSW employees, their families, and friends — from emotional wellbeing and counselling to peer support and practical assistance.
Victoria Police – Mental Health Strategy
This outlines key initiatives, action plans, and research aimed at reducing stigma, improving access to support, and fostering a mentally healthy workplace throughout every stage of an employee’s career.
Victorian Auditor-General – Staff Wellbeing in Fire Rescue Victoria
This independent audit examines how Fire Rescue Victoria supports the mental health and wellbeing of its workforce. It highlights existing wellbeing services, identifies opportunities to better manage psychosocial risks and cumulative trauma, and provides recommendations to strengthen long-term mental health support across the organisation.
Ambulance Victoria – Emergency Services Foundation Member Agency
This resource showcases collaborative programs and initiatives with the Emergency Services Foundation that help strengthen resilience, foster recovery, and promote positive mental health across the emergency services sector.
Queensland Police Wellbeing Support
Resolute Ready offers a range of wellbeing resources available to Queensland police personnel, including mental health support services, counselling options, peer support, and crisis assistance.
Queensland Fire Department – Supporting Our People
Explore the department’s initiatives, support services, and wellbeing programs that help firefighters and staff manage the physical and psychological demands of their roles.
Queensland Ambulance Service – Priority One
Priority One is the Queensland Ambulance Service’s comprehensive wellbeing program. This outlines the services and resources available to help ambulance personnel navigate the unique challenges of emergency service work while maintaining their overall wellbeing.
Explore our training calendar to view a curated collection of training and virtual learning opportunities with practical insights across mental health, workers compensation and workplace safety.
Featured topics include:
Access training through our EMlearning platform.
Explore our self-paced e-learning courses and expert-led training designed to support workplace safety, compliance and professional development.
Featured courses include:
Access e-learning through our EMlearning platform.
The Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) Health Check is a tool crafted to evaluate the risk level of OVA within a workplace.
A step by step guide to support workplaces in assessing workplace preparedness and supports for an incident pertaining to violence or aggression.
Our clinician’s summary provides best-practice guidelines to support timely intervention, effective treatment, and improved recovery outcomes for those exposed to workplace trauma.
A compilation of specific guidelines from Phoenix Australia tailored to emergency workers (police, paramedics, firefighters, health professionals) on how to recover from PTSD.
A collection of resources for workers and clinicians to help protect emergency service workers from the impacts of PTSD and psychological injuries.
Pheonix Australia’s Responder Assist offers confidential mental health assessment, treatment and support for emergency services workers impacted by work-related trauma.
Learn about the support, tools, and services available to police officers recovering from injury and considering alternative career pathways.
Recommendations to help organisations reduce exposure, strengthen support systems, and create safer, mentally healthy workplaces for employees exposed to trauma.
A free, Australian Government-funded program delivered by the Black Dog Institute that provides confidential mental health support for emergency services workers.
Beyond Blue, one of Australia’s leading mental health organisations, includes mental health information, 24/7 support, self-help tools, and workplace wellbeing resources.
