Diagnosis and Treatment of PTSD in Emergency Service Workers

Emergency Service Workers are one of the high-risk groups for trauma exposure and are more vulnerable to developing mental health problems. These mental health conditions have significant impact on their employment, family, relationships and wellbeing. This online interactive workshop focuses on diagnosis and referral pathways to support the management of emergency service workers.

GPs often play a central role in the provision of healthcare to communities in the immediate, acute phase of emergency situations, and on an ongoing basis for the long-term recovery of individuals and their broader community. 

This workshop has been designed with a focus on GPs, to diagnose patients with acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and other comorbidities. Evidence based guidelines will be used as the foundation to appropriately diagnose and identify treatment pathways including recommended referrals, trauma focused psychological therapy and psychological first aid to help support their management of emergency service workers. The training may also be relevant to other health professionals.

This training aims to increase participants’ skills and confidence to:

1.   Understand the relationship between traumatic events and the development of mental health conditions

2.   Identify evidence-based treatment and referral pathways for a patient impacted by trauma

3.   Recommend evidence-based resources, including e-Mental Health, for family/kinship groups impacted by trauma

NOTE THAT THERE ARE TWO SESSIONS OF THIS WORKSHOP: 24TH MAY & 15TH JUNE
Accreditation
  • 6 CPD Activity points (RACGP)
  • MH CPD activity (GPMHSC)
  • 3 Performance Review PDP units (ACRRM)

 

Suitable for

GP Registrars, GPs

 

Topics Covered

1.      Understanding the context of Emergency Service Workers

2.      Diagnosing PTSD

3.      Your role

4.      Self-care for practitioners

 

Learning Objectives

1.      Recognise responses to trauma in emergency service workers, their families and kinship groups

2.      Identify validated screening and assessment tools for common mental health conditions related to trauma

3.      Apply evidence-based treatment/management plan for a patient impacted by trauma 

4.      Identify a range of appropriate referral pathways and collaborative care options

5.      Identify and use self-care strategies and resources to manage their own mental health and wellbeing

TESTIMONIALS

  • “The experience of trauma in our community has been very widespread and deeply felt over the past 12 or so months, with the 2019-2020 summer bushfires and then the COVID pandemic. This program is excellent for both reviewing skills and knowledge and also up-skilling the varied health professionals who are often the frontline contacts for support from emergency and other workers and their families experiencing symptoms of PTSD. It has been, for me, one of the most valuable 3 hours of clinical training I have participated in.” Participant 2nd March 2021
  • “This was great course, especially for a rural based GP. I would strongly recommend all my colleagues to enrol in it.” Participant 11th March 2021
  • “This was an excellent course, very well delivered and relevant to general practice. It is especially relevant in the present times of floods, fires and COVID!” Participant 25th March 2021

FUNDING FOR THIS PROGRAM

The Grant Program for Emergency Services Workers trauma Care, including PTSD support services, is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. 

https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/davidlittleproud/Pages/mental-health-grants-support-emergency-services-workers.aspx

SELF-CARE NOTE

This workshop discusses PTSD and trauma. We understand this can be a difficult topic to discuss, especially for people who have lived experience of PTSD. We ask you to take care of your mental health and wellbeing when deciding to attend this workshop.

 Register here

Event Details

June 15 - June 15
06:00 AM - 09:00 AM
General Practitioners

Organizer Details

Disclaimer

While the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.

PWD