Transition is a challenging and potentially vulnerable stage in a first responder’s career. Research shows that rates of mental illness and suicide increase during and after transition from service as a first responder. Furthermore, there are signs many first responders – both employed and volunteer - are re-evaluating the longevity of their careers in the wake of recent major disaster events and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has the potential to further increase incidence of transition-related impacts. Evidence indicates that there are significant gaps in the support provided to first responders during and after their transition from service, and there is a lack of robust evidence assessing the effectiveness of interventions targeting the same.
Fortem’s comprehensive career management model looks beyond the narrow window of transition to embrace an innovative holistic approach to support, which aims to promote a dignified transition for first responders while highlighting the value of their service and their future potential. It also offers a range of services designed to address the key issues of wellbeing and retention, including individual case management, training and education workshops, wellbeing resources, a community portal and the availability of psychological support and wellbeing programs where needed.
Utilising preliminary quantitative and qualitative data collected from a range of measures, outcomes from participants in Fortem Australia’s Career Management Program will be presented.
Early results suggest that this transition program has the potential to reduce psychological distress, improve wellbeing and increase confidence in vocational capacity, and it can also reinvigorate first responder careers, support longevity in service and potentially reduce medical discharge. Robust investigation demonstrating the efficacy of this program continues.