Are you a current or retired Fire and Rescue NSW firefighter?
Firefighting is both mentally and physically demanding.
To do the job well and get the most out of life, you need to take care of your mental health and wellbeing.
We’re conducting the SOLAR FRNSW trial to find out if using a smartphone app, SOLAR-m, designed specifically for first responders, can help firefighters improve their mood as well as wellbeing and feel more in control of their reactions to distressing situations.
REGISTER INTEREST
To be eligible, you must be:
A current career or on-call firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW or a retired Fire and Rescue NSW firefighter.
Aged 18+.
Experiencing some stress or having trouble managing reactions to challenging events.
An owner of an internet-connected smartphone.
Be willing to download and use the study app for five weeks.
SOLAR FRNSW is an online trial. You can participate from anywhere in Australia.
If you are eligible, you will be asked to complete an online survey about how you’ve been feeling recently. This takes about 20 minutes.
Once this is completed you will be given access to the SOLAR FRNSW app, which you will download to your personal smartphone. Once downloaded, you will be randomly allocated to receive one of two different versions of the app designed to help you manage strong emotions and reduce distress. You will be provided with instructions on what to do within the SOLAR FRNSW app.
The app will prompt you to book in a telephone session with a Phoenix Australia SOLAR FRNSW facilitator. The facilitator can help you with downloading and navigating the SOLAR FRNSW app, answer any questions you may have, and support you with working your way through the app modules. It is not compulsory to speak with a facilitator, but it is something that we encourage.
After five weeks of using the app, you’ll be prompted to complete another brief, online questionnaire. Three months later, you’ll again be asked to complete a questionnaire.
Any information that you provide in the study will be kept confidential.
The SOLAR FRNSW app is designed to give firefighters the tools you need to get on top of stress and to feel more in control after a challenging or distressing event.
By taking part in this trial, you’ll also be helping us understand the best ways of supporting professionals in emergency service organisations to look after their wellbeing.
The SOLAR FRNSW trial is being conducted by Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, in collaboration with Black Dog Institute, Fire and Rescue NSW and University of New South Wales. The iCare Foundation is funding this trial. The Principal Investigator is Professor Meaghan O’Donnell.
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