Ambulance Victoria (AV) is encouraging Victorians to ask their family, friends and colleagues the simple question ‘R U OK?’ and to begin meaningful conversations around mental health.
R U OK? Day is an annual reminder that you don't need to be an expert to reach out to others. Anyone can use four steps to have a conversation that could change a life: Ask R U OK?, Listen, Encourage action and Check in.
Wellbeing is a priority at AV and there are several support services available to employees and volunteers, including psychology, peer support, 24/7 confidential counselling, pastoral care, the Peer Support Dog Program and more.
One of AV’s most innovative support services is the Peer Support Dog Program, which recently welcomed two new Golden Retrievers, Nala and Sadie with their handlers Paramedic Melanie Burns and Paramedic Kathryn Hart.
The program sees AV staff trained in peer support visit ambulance branches, offices and hospitals with their dog, bringing comfort and connection to the workforce.
Principal Psychologist Dr Megan Dobbie said the program proactively connects AV people with support pathways.
“Our Peer Support Dogs and Handlers create a space where people take the time to stop, have a minute for themselves and talk to a trained peer responder about how they are doing,” she said.
“They get to do this while enjoying the company of a dog that doesn’t need anything from them and is just there to provide comfort and a compassionate moment.”
The program’s early intervention model allows peer support teams to connect with staff before they reach crisis point. It opens doors to meaningful conversations about mental health and the services available.
Eight trained peer support responders and their dogs are part of the program, providing support to AV’s workforce across the state.
After 13 years on the road, it’s clear to Wallan paramedic Matt Arcieri how important it is for first responders to look after their own mental health.
He’s taken steps to connect his colleagues with psychologists and AV programs designed to support staff and volunteers through stress, trauma, depression and anxiety.
“It’s all about trying to get those proactive health steps in place for my colleagues. Having strong mental health is important for our work as paramedics because it helps you stay calm, make clinical decisions and maintain operational safety,” he said.
Similarly, Acting Timboon Team Manager Andrew Berry’s experiences at work have shown him the importance of addressing mental health concerns early.
“If we’re called to a mental health patient, it’s usually because they have reached a crisis point. The earlier we check in on people and get conversations happening, the more likely we are to avoid reaching that point,” he said.
“My advice to people is don’t be afraid, just ask. ‘Are you OK?’ is such a simple term but it’s so important.”
If you are not OK, or if you notice a change in someone you know, you can find a full list of support services here.
For immediate crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For professional support, contact your doctor or local health service, or connect with a mental health professional by calling Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
