Duke says 999 workers need mental health protected
BRITAIN cannot expect its emergency services to “continually shoulder the strain of their roles without any consequences” for their mental health, the Duke of Cambridge has warned.
The Duke, who yesterday unveiled a support package for 999 staff and volunteers, said it was essential for those on the front line to look after themselves as “tirelessly” as they look after others.
He spoke of his time as an air ambulance pilot, and the “split personalities” often required so as not to burden family with the “tragic” realities of work.
“Supporting the mental health of our emergency services is extremely personal to me,” he said, lending his support to “mandatory decompression breaks” for 999 staff to help them process trauma in between difficult jobs.
“I remember the pressure of attending calls in the most stressful conditions, sometimes with tragic conclusions.”
The event, convened by his Royal Foundation, invited 200 leaders from Britain’s emergency services to mark the launch of Blue Light Together, a package of mental health support for emergency responders and their families.
“We cannot expect our emergency responders to be able to continually shoulder the strain of their roles without any consequences,” he said.
Speaking to chief officers of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, National Fire Chiefs Council and Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, as well as Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, and Dame Cressida Dick, the Met Police Commissioner, the Duke told 999 workers: “I would only ask that you look out for your own wellbeing, just as you tirelessly care for everyone else’s.”