QAS INSIGHT | Summer 2017-18 edition

Priority One: Peer Support Officers

Peer Support Officers

PSOs are ambulance paramedics, PTS officers and EMDs who volunteer to be of assistance to their colleagues in helping to make acceptable meaning of the more stressful effects of ambulance work as well as other work and life stressors. PSOs undergo a rigorous selection and training process and agree to work from a position of good will, value individual human rights and the autonomy of individuals. PSOs are bound to adhere to written responsibilities, the principles of confidentiality and ethical practice, all stipulated in the Peer Support Officer Code of Conduct.

What a PSO does ► A PSO will make contact with ambulance personnel after a workplace incident that has, on face value, a reasonable potential of being an acutely stressful experience for those involved (e.g. traumatic death of a child). Most times a PSO will be advised by the Communications Centre that such an incident has occurred, but it is important to know that often, an event that is difficult for a paramedic/ EMD is one wherein there is a personal identification with the suffering of others in some individual way. In this type of situation, a PSO or others in the QAS may not be aware that this has been a critical event. For this reason, staff are encouraged to be proactive in contacting a PSO or counsellor, when they find a case has impacted upon them.

A PSO is not ...  an advocate or

Where do I find help? 24-hour telephone counselling  1800 805 980 QAS Priority One Manager  0419 707 397 QAS Staff Counsellors  0408 191 215 or 0417 079 679 or 0409 056 983 QAS Priority One State Office  3635 3333 LGBTIQ+ support service  3830 5888 Chaplaincy service  3835 9923 Local Priority One Peer Support Officers or Counsellors  See list in each QAS Station or on QASPortal

► A PSO will provide psychological support to QAS personnel, and as needed to their dependant family members usually by listening to issues, allowing for emotional ‘off loading’ and possibly asking a few questions to assist in clarifying matters. ► Where needed, a PSO may encourage and facilitate referral to a mental health professional, but staff can self-refer to any of the professional counsellors available through the Priority One program. ► A PSO will actively promote and disseminate information to personnel about the services available through the Priority One Program. ► A PSO will understand and be attentive to the principles of confidentiality in respect to information given to them by individuals who seek their assistance. ► A PSO will recognise the limitations of their support role, and always seek advice/ assistance from a nominated mental health care professional whenever matters are unclear.

spokesperson for you or others, in industrial, legal, managerial or other matters.  a counsellor and nor does a PSO replace the important role of a mental health professional.  a mediator of matters in the workplace. Mediation is a specific skill for which PSOs are not trained.  to be drawn into investigative or disciplinary interviews to act as a witness or be allied to any one stance, supportive role around such matters, usually by facilitating defusing for individual personnel, as needed, after such interviews have taken place. This should only occur at the request of the person requiring support. position or perspective. A PSO may take on a

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INTERESTED? HOW TO BECOME A PSO ► Submit a PSO Application form to the Priority One office – this can be found on the QAS Portal at: https://qas.psba.qld.gov.au/priorityone/peer/Pages/Application-and-Selection-Process.aspx ► Referee checks are conducted. ► Invitation to attend an interview with a staff counsellor and external psychologist in your regional area. ► If successful at interview, applicant then asked to attend a six-day training course. ► If successful at the end of this training course, offer to become a PSO. For more information about this process please contact the Priority One office or speak to a local PSO in your area.

Summer 2017–18