Members are advised of the option of using the K-10 radio message to advise Firecom and on-call executives of a crew’s attendance at a traumatic incident or event. This will place the appliance out of commission, allowing the crew to return to station to recommission and debrief an event, or seek additional help as required, without the appliance having to be responded to another incident.

On return to a station, members are encouraged to create an entry in Safe at Work and complete the appropriate section in psychological wellbeing.

If you require peer support for a critical incident or personal stress, please contact a Local Peer Support Team Member. This can be accessed via the Communication Centre, Region SHW Advisor or Welfare Officer.

Confidential advice and counselling for work-related and/or personal issues are available. Short-term support is available to all personnel and immediate family members at no cost, and you can self-refer to Vitae Services on 0508 664 981 or complete the Counselling referral form at vitae.co.nz (24 hours, seven days a week service)

Note: 

• Your identity and details will be kept confidential.
• The first three sessions are paid for by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. The provider can request, in confidence, that FENZ fund additional sessions when further help is required.
• Contact the National SHW Manager if you have any problems accessing the service.

For Professional psychological support or longer term psychological support, you can access Clinical Psychologists and other health professionals through your Region SHW Advisor, Welfare Officer, or through the Injury Management Unit.

Note: You can also report and seek psychological wellbeing support via the Safe@Work system.

Once the appliance and crew are ready to be placed back in service and made available for further dispatch, the appropriate status K-code can then be transmitted.

If you have any queries on the above advice do not hesitate to contact one of your Local Representatives.