As bushfires continue to burn in multiple states, the impact on those health professionals supporting affected communities may be starting to take its toll. The health and wellbeing of allied health professionals is in the forefront of our minds.
The CRANAplus Bush Support Services is a 24-hour free and confidential telephone phone counselling service for rural and remote area health professionals and their families. You do not need to be a member of CRANAplus to access this service.
The Bush Support Services engages qualified psychologists experienced in the remote sector and with first-hand knowledge of the best resources for those with unique support needs. They understand the particular mental health of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous remote health workers is a result of the unique nature of remote work. The highly skilled team includes two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychologists available for counselling and consultation.
It’s free and it’s confidential. You can also remain anonymous at all times, if you wish.
Calls from mobile phones to the Bush Support Services 1800 805 391 Toll Free Number can be returned at the caller’s request.
For further information, visit the CRANAplus website.
Below is a link to infomation from the Australian Psychological Society which may also assist.
Psychology-topics/Disasters/Bushfires/Recovering-from-bushfires
Other helpful links and information:
Bushfire Smoke Factsheet
How to Maintain your fitness and keep active during periods of poor air quality(link is external)
Air QualityDuring these periods of smoke, people are advised to minimise their levels of prolonged or heavy physical activity outdoors. When there is heavy smoke in the area it is best to avoid all physical activity outdoors.People who are sensitive to smoke, especially those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, should take extra care by staying indoors where possible and taking medication as prescribed by their doctor.While exposure to smoke can be unpleasant, for healthy people taking measures to limit their exposure, it is unlikely they will be at risk of serious health harms from the current smoke event.Keep up to date with the latest health advice through your state health website
P2/N95 masksThe best way to avoid exposure to the smoke is by staying indoors (with windows and doors closed) where possible, and not using evaporative air conditioners which draw air into the house from outside.Ordinary paper masks are not effective at filtering smoke, however do not cause any harm if people choose to wear them and they feel they get some benefit.Evidence shows P2 and N95 masks do filter some smoke and are most commonly used in occupational settings where exposure to airborne particles occur on a regular basis. However they cannot completely eliminate exposure to smoke, and as they can be difficult to fit and use appropriately, they are not recommended for use in the general community as an alternative to avoiding outdoor exposure.While expert advice remains that the best way to avoid exposure to the smoke is by staying indoors (with windows and doors closed), many people may prefer to use P2 masks.Information on P2 and N95 masks, and how to fit them properly is available from ACT Health at: https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/(link is external)...
Tips for dealing with indoor smokeHere’s some tips to help keep your home as smoke-free as possible:• Keep all windows and doors closed.• Stay in air-conditioned premises and switch the air conditioner to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’ to reduce the amount of smoke entering the building.• Only use an evaporative cooler if the system is filtered. Note: some domestic evaporative coolers are less likely to filter fine particles such as smoke and may introduce smoke inside. If you any questions about your evaporative cooler, please speak to the manufacturer or place of purchase as models may vary.• Determine where the gaps are where smoke may be able to enter. Look for obvious signs of draughts-lights coming in under and around doors and windows and feel for draughts.• Keep your pets indoors with clean water and food. Keep pets bedding inside if possible.• Seal internal cracks and gaps and consider sealing up vent covers.• Air out your house when the smoke clears.
The Australian Red Cross is supporting communities affected by the fires, with specialist emergency volunteers providing psychological first aid, working at evacuation centres and helping people to get in touch with their loved ones. For those who are able and wishing to donate, go to the Red Cross disaster relief and recovery appeal at https://www.redcross.org.au/.
bushfire_smoke_factsheet.pdf
INTERNATIONAL SYSTEMS AND INNOVATIONS INDICATE WAY FORWARD FOR AUSTRALIAN AGED CARE
