The Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management and Ambulance Tasmania have launched the fourth Ready for Response (R4R) program this week, with over 400 staff and volunteers participating in the 2023 program.

The R4R program is a 12-week fitness program that offers participants both face-to-face and online health classes aimed at improving and supporting the mental health and physical wellbeing of emergency services staff and volunteers.

“Our Ready for Response program offers our first responders and emergency service staff and volunteers an adaptable program that can be done either face-to-face or online, alongside shift work and other commitments,” said DPFEM Secretary Donna Adams.

The face-to-face program is being delivered in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, and Burnie.

“We know emergency service workers and volunteers often face particularly challenging and stressful situations,” Secretary Adams said.

“We recognise the importance of supporting these employees and volunteers to keep a healthy body and healthy mind as they continue to help the community.”

In 2021, Edith Cowan University was engaged to evaluate the effectiveness of the R4R program.

The results showed the program contributed towards a positive culture change, increased team building, and participants felt more energetic at work. It also showed that people who had participated in the program had significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression.

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