In August 2023, we launched a new online resource called Responder Wellbeing, designed to promote better wellbeing for responders.
Responder Wellbeing is designed to help responders gain a deeper understanding of their wellbeing, and how they may be affected by their exposure to resuscitation events. it provides advice and support on what to do if a responder’s wellbeing is also affected by their team, their leadership or their organisation.
Why we’ve created Responder Wellbeing
In most cases, attempts to resuscitate fails. The reality of this means that often, someone attempting resuscitation is present during the death of person they’re trying to revive.
We consider it a duty to prepare all responders for the possible negative impact of a resuscitation event on their mental health and wellbeing.
This exposure to resuscitation can affect responder wellbeing in different ways. It could bring up positive, neutral or negative feelings in responders – all of these are common. There are also mental health conditions associated with resuscitation exposure such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. Awareness around these conditions can help responders to recognise them more readily, and access support earlier.
Adam Benson, Deputy Director of Clinical and Service Development at RCUK said:
“We wanted to create a resource that supports responders in caring for themselves and the people around them. Being in life or death situation can bring about an array of emotions - positive, neutral and negative. It is important to recognise when support is required and where it can be found.”
Read Responder Wellbeing now