Mental health and wellbeing of Australian police and emergency services employees

Answering the Call, the Australian National Police and Emergency Services Mental Health and Wellbeing Study, surveyed 14,868 Australian ambulance, fire and rescue, police, and state emergency service employees. Emergency services personnel had lower rates of mental wellbeing and higher rates of psychological distress and probable PTSD than the general adult population. Overall 30% had low wellbeing, 21% had high and 9% had very high psychological distress, and 10% had probable PTSD. An estimated 5% had suicidal ideation and 2% had a suicide plan in the past 12 months, while 16% binge drink at least weekly. Only one in five of those with very high psychological distress or probable PTSD felt they received adequate support for their condition. These findings highlight the risk of mental health conditions associated with work in the emergency services sector.

Automated summary

The study on Australian National Police and Emergency Services personnel revealed lower levels of mental health wellbeing, higher rates of psychological distress and probable PTSD compared to the general adult population. It also found that only one in five of those with very high psychological distress or probable PTSD felt adequately supported. These findings highlight the mental health risks associated with working in the emergency services sector.