Help for distressed bushfire victims and workers

The Brumby Government has established a new telephone counselling support service for all Victorians affected by the devastating bushfires.

Visiting Nurse-On-Call in Richmond today, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said that the many Victorians touched by the tragic bushfires could call Nurse-On-Call Bushfire Health and Counselling Line.

“This service will provide immediate, round-the-clock counselling to Victorians who have lost their homes and loved ones, and emergency service workers, volunteers and service providers battling the blazes and caring for victims,” Mr Andrews said. “Victorians touched by the tragic bushfires could call Nurse-On-Call Bushfire Health and Counselling Line.”

“People can call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 and speak firstly to a registered nurse who can provide general health advice.

“The nurse can then transfer the caller to the bushfire support counsellors who are trained mental health professionals such as psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers and occupational therapists if required.”

Mr Andrews said many of the people with harrowing experiences of the bushfires had suffered major mental trauma and are in great need of counselling and support.

“Some of the local agencies will have staff that are victims of fires or are involved in their own communities as volunteers,” he said.

“Health services have been asked to send staff to bushfire-affected areas to support counsellors and other health professionals.”

Mr Andrews said as well as the direct victims of the fires, front-line emergency workers were experiencing distress in dealing with fires and survivors.

“The Nurse-On-Call Bushfire Health and Counselling Line is open to everyone including emergency workers, volunteers and service providers,” he said.

“Counselling with someone trained in responding to traumatic events is helpful to get a better understanding about what has happened and in coming to terms with grief and loss.

Mr Andrews said in the early stages of such a disaster it is important that counselling is focussed on providing information and emotional support to help people along the path to recovery.

“People have the capacity to react and respond with resilience through the support of their loved ones and communities,” he said.

“People need to remember that they, their family and their community are not alone. Help and support will also be available through the Department of Human Services, community service organisations, local government and others working together to ensure adequate emotional and practical support is provided. .”
Mr Andrews said the heatwave and bushfires has seen Nurse-On-Call receive its one millionth call sooner than expected – the service began less than three years ago.

“Nurse-On-Call has become a trusted resource for many Victorian families seeking expert health advice and information 24-hours, 7-days-a-week,” he said.

“During last weekend’s bushfires and the hottest day on record, Nurse-On-Call received 2503 calls – 22 per cent higher than the weekend average for January.

Mr Andrews said since June 2006 Nurse-on-Call had taken about 931 calls a day, or about one call every 90 seconds.

“The service gives all Victorians the peace of mind of knowing that the best, professional health advice is only a phone call away, any time of the day or night,” he said.

“It helps families decide if they need to attend hospital or a doctor straight away, whether the condition could be treated by a GP the next day, or if they can manage it themselves.”

Phoning Nurse-On-Call Bushfire Health and Counselling Line on 1300 60 60 24 provides another option for people seeking  counselling.

Other counselling services available include:  
•    Lifeline Information Service – 131 114;
•    Parentline – 132 289;
•    Kids Help Line – 1800 551 800;
•    Griefline – 03 9596 7799; Suicide Line – 1300 651 251;
•    Rural Support Line – 1300 655 969 and
•    Beyondblue – 1300 22 4636.

For more bushfire support visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au