Understanding the impact of grief on emergency workers and the critical support systems protecting their wellbeing
In this episode, Siusan MacKenzie, CEO of the Emergency Services Foundation, joins us to explore the profound ways emergency services personnel experience grief and loss in their everyday duties. Together, we examine the unique challenges frontline workers face due to their constant exposure to trauma and discuss the essential support systems designed to help them manage the emotional toll of their work.
The conversation also addresses how recent global crises, including pandemics and civil unrest, have increased the strain on frontline workers, further impacting their mental health. You’ll gain insights into the mental health programs currently available and the ongoing efforts to enhance these initiatives, creating a stronger support network for those who serve our communities.
Louisa and Siusan MacKenzie engage in an in-depth discussion about the emotional wellbeing of emergency workers, focusing on the ripple effects of their work on mental health, including the risk of vicarious trauma. They also highlight the importance of proactive personal and organisational strategies, emphasising the Emergency Services Foundation’s role in promoting mental resilience and wellbeing for those on the frontlines.
About the Emergency Services Foundation
The Emergency Service Foundation (ESF) is dedicated to preventing mental injury among the 139,000 volunteers and staff who serve Victoria. While all employers must ensure the wellbeing of their teams, ESF uniquely focuses on mental health prevention for emergency workers with support from 14 member agencies.Â
Given the trauma faced by frontline workers, ESF prioritises mental health by leading initiatives for prevention and early intervention. The ESF translates research into practical programs and collaborates with agencies to benefit the entire sector.Â
Through strategic, collaborative efforts, ESF enhances mental health support and strengthens the sector as a whole.Â
To learn more about the ESF visit: https://esf.com.au/Â
About Suisan MacKenzie
Siusan MacKenzie is the ESFs inaugural CEO. She comes into the role with a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience developed through a career including roles in secondary teaching, senior public sector management and leadership in OHS and emergency services, and organisational development consulting with a focus on workplace health. She was responsible for driving Victoria’s formative Workplace Health and Safety campaigns and that led to a secondment with the UK government. On her return she began Workplace Health and Safety Week in Australia.Â
It was her drive and creative thinking that drew her to the attention of the emergency services where she established CFAs highly successful communications unit. In that role she established the important relationship with the ABC and the need for training and accreditation for media on the fireground, two initiatives with national significance. Siusan was central to CFAs response to the Linton tragedy which saw the death of five volunteers. From this her interest shifted to wellbeing in an organisational context and that resulted in various awards for her work in the construction sector.Â
Siusan is a change agent whose strength is her ability to quickly grasp a situation and apply sound strategic thinking to problem solve. She always looks for innovative solutions and likes nothing better than to lead sustainable best practice initiatives. She looks forward to leading a collaborative sector wide improvement in the area of mental health and wellbeing.Â
