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Protecting Emergency Responders with Evidence-Based Interventions (PEREI): Lessons Learned

Tracks
Prince Room and Virtual via OnAIR
Monday, March 2, 2026
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Prince Room

Overview

Prof Reg Nixon, Flinders University


Details

Three Key Learnings:
Attendees will learn about modifiable risk factors that can be targeted to improve wellbeing in early career first responders. Attendees will develop an understanding of the relationship between individual and organisational factors that influence mental health and wellbeing. Attendees will gain knowledge of advantages and disadvantages of different delivery methods for prevention programs for first responder groups.


Speaker

Agenda Item Image
Professor Reg Nixon
Professor In Psychology
Flinders University

Protecting Emergency Responders with Evidence-Based Interventions (PEREI): Lessons Learned

Presentation Overview

A substantial proportion of Australian emergency service personnel experience rates of psychological distress (anxiety and depression), posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts that are considerably higher than the national average (Beyond Blue, 2018). Within a randomised trial, the PEREI project undertook a 3-pronged approach to reduce risk of posttraumatic psychopathology and psychological distress, and to improve wellbeing through programs for: (1) responders in their first five years of service, (2) their significant partners and/or other significant adults, and (3) supervisors in the service. The programs comprised guided self-help online interventions with the support of a wellbeing coach (7-week program for early career members, 6-week program for significant others) or 4-week live group (supervisors). A group (intervention, waitlist) by time (pre-, post-, with 6-, 12-month follow-up) design was used, with further 2-year follow-up underway. In total, over 650 individuals from paid and volunteer services were recruited (police, fire, and paramedicine trainees). Efficacy was measured with standardised instruments across a range of domains such as psychological distress including posttraumatic stress, wellbeing, resilience, social support, supervisor and organisational support, and operational stress. Health service utilisation and work absence were outcomes also indexed. Final data is being collected and key observations regarding uptake, lessons learned, initial findings, and consideration for future implementation will be presented.

Biography

Dr. Reginald (Reg) D. V. Nixon is a Professor in Psychology, Flinders University. A clinical psychologist and researcher, he has been involved in the treatment and research of trauma for over 24 years. He has published 117 peer-reviewed journal publications, a number of book chapters, and with colleagues, a book on treating PTSD with Cognitive Processing Therapy. He is lead investigator of the PEREI project, funded by the Movember Foundation, Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, and Flinders University. He is a co-Investigator of a large PTSD treatment trial in the USA funded by Veterans Affairs, led by Prof. Tara Galovski.
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