Australian Psychological Society Bushfire Response

Below is how the Australian Psychological Society is helping with the response to the tragic bushfires in Victoria. Some things are more important than 'consuming'.

The APS is responding to the situation in a number of ways, including:

• Working with authorities to coordinate the provision of psychological assistance as required. Interested psychologists are requested to contact the APS at disasterregister@psychology.org.au.
• Liaising with government to coordinate activities and to promote evidence-based practice that suggests that the real need for specific psychological support is likely to come into play some weeks after the disaster event. In the meantime, current best practice recommends the provision of psychological first aid, which is aptly provided by disaster relief workers or mental health workers who provide early assistance to people affected by disasters or emergencies.
• Developing guidelines for emergency services and local authorities regarding appropriate responses in the initial phase after the bushfire.
• Drafting guidelines for GPs on working with people affected by the bushfires in liaison with the Commonwealth National Disaster Response Committee.
• Distributing our existing bushfire and disaster response material via not only the APS but also the Australian General Practice Network, the Royal Australian College of General
• Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.
• A media release which provides advice on psychological distress arising from these events.
• Providing a new section on the website with updates and resources – see http://www.psychology.org.au.