The 2019–20 bushfire season was one of the most intense and sustained ever seen in Australia.
The impacts of major bushfires are substantial and ongoing. Cumulative exposure to traumatic events can negatively affect the wellbeing of those called on to respond to critical incidents and emergencies.
We believe the unprecedented intensity and severity of the 2019–20 bushfires probably harmed the wellbeing of at least some responders, many of whom are volunteers.
After the Fires is a national survey of the wellbeing and resilience of Australia’s emergency services following the 2019–20 bushfires.
This study will help us to understand the health and wellbeing of employees and volunteers in the emergency sector so we can plan and provide better services and support.
Final report
After the Fires investigated the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires on emergency services personnel, address key gaps in knowledge about how to foster resilience and coping, and investigate how to deliver effective support for mental health and wellbeing to Australian bushfire first responders.
Booklet for emergency services, personnel and agencies
This booklet provides compact summary of the key findings and implications of the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires on emergency services personnel.
Qualitative report
This booklet presents results from qualitative interviews and focus groups.
Project summary
Goals
Quantifying the short- and long-term impacts
Quantify the short- and long-term impacts of the 2019–20 bushfire events on the wellbeing and resilience of first responders.
Assessing first responders’ needs
Assess first responders’ need for support and use of support services.
Identifying factors
Identify factors associated with resilience and effective coping.
Determining the best strategies
Determine the best strategies to build resilience and protect mental wellbeing.
Study results – Wave 1
The impacts of the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires on the wellbeing of emergency services personnel
Fact sheet
This fact sheet outlines the key findings of the survey report
Qualitative executive summary
The executive summary of the qualitative report
Survey information
More details for prospective participants can be found in these documents:
Collaborators
This project is a collaboration between Curtin University and:
Beyond Blue
Anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, mental health
Bushfire & Natural Hazards CRC
Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre
Professor Sharon Lawn
Flinders University
Dr Miranda Van Hooff
The Road Home, The Hospital Research Foundation
Mr Gerry Bardsley
Roy Morgan Research
