Moments that Matter: Police Training for Veterans in Crisis
About the Project
Researchers at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR) and Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) collaborated on this project that tackles one of the most pressing issues facing military and veteran communities: mental health and suicide. These challenges impact not only current and ex-serving Defence members but also their families and broader communities. The team set out to strengthen the way frontline responders engage with veterans in crisis.
Why the project was needed
Veterans can face unique mental health challenges and experience elevated risks of suicide compared to the general population. To gain insights into the realities of suicide crisis events and determine opportunities to strengthen frontline responses, QCMHR partnered with GMR to conduct interviews and focus groups with emergency responders, ADF members and their families. We then undertook a one-day workshop bringing together diverse stakeholders, including police, ambulance, Defence, lived experience and health stakeholders, to co-design a series of training resources to be delivered to first responders. We then partnered with Insight to undertake filming with a range of lived experience and subject matter experts to develop a digital e-learning package.
How It Matters
The research created a strong evidence base to guide best practice in supporting veterans in crisis. Findings emphasised the importance of timely, compassionate, and informed responses. For police, understanding how to apply communication and de-escalation techniques when engaging with veterans can help ensure a positive outcome. By better understanding the circumstances, health needs and specific and unique experiences of veterans, this project helps ensure more timely and compassionate responses that can improve outcomes.
How It Will Be Used
Using the research, the project team developed a best practice training package for police to be trialled and evaluated. This includes a series of videos that model effective and empathetic ways to engage with veterans experiencing crisis. These resources will be used in training to build capability among frontline responders, improve the quality of their interactions and ultimately reduce the risk of suicide among Australia’s veteran community.
Investigators/Project Staff
Associate Professor Carla Meurk
Professor Ed Heffernan
Dr Camila Guindalini
Maddison Deery
Media
Answering the Call. Strengthening Crisis Responses for Veterans
One veteran has suicide-related contact with police, paramedics every four hours
Publications and reports
Funding and research support from Gallipoli Medical Research
