BULLETIN 128 | 13 Jun 2014

BULLETIN

Bulletin No:          128                                     Volume:  20                        Friday 13 June 2014

To ALL UFU MFB OPERATIONAL MEMBERS

RESEARCH STUDY

SEEKING CONTACT

FROM FIREFIGHTERS

Due to repeated exposure to traumatic incidents throughout their careers, Firefighters are a high-risk group for developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.  Due to this, it is important to ensure that mental health support strategies for dealing with traumatic events are effective.

A research student from Latrobe University has contacted the UFU in relation to a study which relates to these matters and the UFU is assisting by seeking firefighters to participate in the study.

The research is looking at a concept known as Posttraumatic growth. This refers to positive psychological changes that can be experienced as a result of experiencing trauma. The research is looking at the occurrence of posttraumatic growth in fire fighters and what factors aid in its development. Results will contribute valuable information for the advancement of mental health support strategies for firefighters.

The study consists of a one-on-one, face-to-face interview about your experiences as a fire fighter. This will take approximately one hour and will be at a location convenient to you. Interviews will be audio-recorded with your consent and all information will be de-identified in order to protect confidentiality. You are able to withdraw from the study at any time during or after the interview.

All participants go into the draw to win a double pass movie voucher.

You are eligible to participate in this study if:

  • You are a Firefighter with at least two years of active service in the MFB
  • You consider that you have experienced traumatic incidents in the line of duty that you believe have changed your life in some positive way
  • You have not had a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder within the last two years.

If you meet these criteria and would like to take part in the study or require further information, please contact:

Sarah Branchflower on 0433 955 352 or sbranchflower@students.latrobe.edu.au

The research has been approved by the University Human Ethics Committee (UHEC) – approval reference number FHEC13/257.

 

Strength in Unity

READ OUT AT MUSTER AND PIN ON NOTICE BOARD

Authorised by Peter Marshall, Branch Secretary