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Safer first responders
A healthier, safer workforce better equipped to tackle increasing natural hazards.
Our research has led to improved occupational health and safety for first responders nationally, ensuring they can safely carry out their roles and keep communities safe.
Protective equipment supplied to 700 firefighters in WA
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Consistent tools and governance in fitness requirements for unified national approach to safety
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Better decision making so responders can safely carry out their roles
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Thousands of SES volunteer fitness assessments to improve health, safety and wellbeing
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Better pathways for physical and mental health recovery and return to service
These brave men and women selflessly give their time and take significant risks to protect property and lives, they deserve to be able to do their volunteer work without suffering long-term health consequences.
A healthier, safer workforce better equipped to tackle increasing natural hazards
We fund research projects that use science to find better ways of keeping first responders safe during events. We bring together organisations across Australia to promote national consistency in first responder occupational health and safety, and translate the findings into practical, actionable advice for agencies.
This work has transformed practice in emergency services across the country. For example, Centre-funded research led to the standardisation of required fitness levels for SES volunteers and has been applied in physical assessments of thousands of people across the country.
From providing compelling evidence for personal protective equipment for firefighters battling carcinogenic smoke to how to mitigate the long-term trauma of working in disaster response, this research ensures the safety and wellbeing of those at the front line.
Research outputs
- Australia’s first study into the mental health and wellbeing of first responders
- Australia’s first nationally consistent emergency service fitness standards
- Evidence of need for personal protective equipment for firefighters
- World-first evidence of best practice for impacts of trauma on first responders and organisational best practice responses
Research in action
Ensuring SES volunteers are fit for their roles
Australia’s first nationally consistent approach to State Emergency Services (SES) fitness standards is used to keep volunteers and staff safe from injury.
Protecting firefighters from the health dangers of bushfires
With bushfire fighting now classified as a carcinogenic occupation by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, this research resulted in the issuing of personal protective equipment to hundreds of firefighters in Western Australia.
Good practice for dealing with traumatic events
This world-first research provides the first evidence internationally on the best way to track exposure and organisational responses to potentially traumatic events.