A small “thank you” doesn’t seem enough to repay emergency first responders, who face more dangerous and stressful situations than most of us experience in a lifetime. But that’s all they ask for on First Responder Day, Wednesday 7 June.

As well as some gratitude, also bring some gold coins for a barbecue being held at Majura Police Complex. Your small change will buy a snag and also some appreciation for the firefighters, paramedics, triple zero operators, police and the SES.

Many of Australia’s 300,000 first responders receive little thanks for what they do, and heaven knows they need it. First responders have higher rates of psychological distress and higher rates of diagnosis of mental health conditions than the general adult population. First responders are more than twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts and are more likely to make suicide plans.

Major disasters such as the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20 and the COVID-19 pandemic compound people’s trauma exposure. Talking to others, feeling heard and having their experiences acknowledged can be healing and help to minimise the negative impact of traumas.

Australia-wide there are over 120,000 employees and 240,000 volunteers in the emergency first responder sector. According to the Australian First Responder Foundation (AFRF), one emergency service worker will take their own life in Australia every 4.3 weeks.

The Foundation offers peer support, education, training and wellbeing retreats to help them regroup, recharge and reset. “We need to look after our emergency First Responders so that they can continue to look after us and our communities,” AFRF advises.

Research shows that just saying thanks boosts the wellbeing and trauma resilience of first responders. So, practice some common courtesy Canberra, and say thanks on Wednesday 7 June at Majura Police Complex, 1 Tambreet Street, Majura between 10am and 2pm.

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