Profile of an APS Disaster Response Network member
Elisa Wilson MAPS has always been drawn to the acute side of service delivery. A traumatic bus crash years ago and her involvement in helping the community cope with this event was a key reason she chose to join the APS Disaster Response Network (DRN). Recently, Elisa has supported people who work on the COVID-19 hotline in Melbourne. Keen to stay up-to-date with the latest research and thinking, she also completed the APS Practice Certificate in Disaster Support, which is currently free for eligible members due to funding provided by the Commonwealth Government.
“It is very important to be up to date with the latest research and thinking locally and internationally, and be ready and aware about how psychologists can help before, during and after a disaster”
The APS spoke to Elisa about her experiences with the DRN and the practice certificate. Despite the many challenges that 2020 has delivered, Elisa believes Australians are resilient. She also believes that psychologists can play a key part in supporting communities through disasters and beyond, and that we should therefore do whatever we can to bolster our resources and be as prepared as possible for what the approaching summer might bring.
What made you decide to join the DRN?
I joined the DRN a number of years ago. It has proven to be a vital source of information, education and support. My decision to join was spearheaded by a historical event when working in the Tweed Heads community, near the border of Queensland and New South Wales. Following a bus crash, I was contacted by the police to assist with supporting staff and people on the bus, their families and others. When working with colleagues in the community’s mental health sector, I learned just how important cooperation, support, education and mentoring was in a disaster response. Those people that helped me had been involved in other disasters and bus crashes and a couple of us were ex-military. Without them and the padres at Canungra in Queensland, I would not have known where to start.
Why undertake the Practice Certificate in Disaster Support?
I was delighted to read of the opportunity for this certificate in an email from the APS and also that it was provided free of charge. I would have undertaken the course anyway and highly recommend others doing so. We are surrounded by disasters, and it was before the big hit of the pandemic at the time I signed up. It is very important to be up to date with the latest research and thinking locally and internationally, and be ready and aware about how psychologists can help before, during and after a disaster. I have always been drawn to the acute side of service delivery and have been involved in a number of disasters and setting up organisational responses, training, clinical care and Employee Assistance Programs in various settings.
Though I had been in academia for quite a while and have lived in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales (all with their share of disasters), I realised there are instances for individuals, groups and organisations where knowledge of psychology in disasters is crucial for all psychologists. Then of course we had the bushfires earlier in the year, so I was keen to update myself and be available to help there if required. As it happens, it was a timely learning experience.
What were your experiences of the training?
The training was excellent. It was self-paced, interesting, well-resourced and made me think. The structure and format of the course, especially the tests and exercises, and links to readings, sparked my interest and stimulated me to learn. I admit to feeling anxious to succeed in the tests and read the work – that was probably due to the academic orientation and the need to achieve, which was pushing me along.
The international resources, information and tools were particularly interesting and helpful and I know I can draw on them again as there remains a lot to learn. I was excited to read the work of Australian researchers and practitioners and learn they were among the world leaders in aspects of disaster psychology. For me, the variety of reading, short videos, transcripts, links to resources and clear focus of learning and assessment of incremental learning was particularly valuable.
What services have you delivered as part of the DRN?
The introduction of the certificate is very important as now we have a shared set of knowledge and practice approaches supported by a strong evidence base. After completing the training, I have been involved in supporting people who are serving on the COVID-19 hotline in Melbourne. This city and the state of Victoria is in a unique position in Australia and worldwide, having experienced one of the longest and strictest lockdowns.
This disaster also shortly followed Australia’s worst bushfire season in modern history. Many volunteers and workers in COVID-19 had worked in both incidents. I take my hat off to all of the healthcare workers, public servants and community workers who help others – many of whom do so as volunteers.
How do you feel about the current COVID-19 situation and what the DRN can provide?
I know the work of the DRN is appreciated, as each person I called who works on the COVID-19 hotline in Melbourne was grateful and appreciative, and it was a privilege to hear them share their experiences so eloquently and earnestly. We simply listen most of the time but there are resources and there is potential to feedback information to the ‘system’ if common themes are noted, which I have done. I do hope we can broaden the reach of the DRN to provide support for other workers on the frontline.
How are you feeling about the coming summer?
For those of us in Victoria, we are hopeful for a summer that will allow us outside for longer, and to mix with others a little more. What is a worry is that people (residents, communities and service workers) who already have been through bushfires earlier this year – followed shortly by the pandemic – might have to face that again. I was in Queensland during the floods, so disaster experiences are not far away in our collective memories. I know the authorities will be preparing for such eventualities around the country. There has been a wearing down of spirits and resources that I hope can be bolstered in the coming months. I trust and have faith that resilience among Australians will come to the fore, but we do need the services organised and resourced. That includes the DRN. No time can be wasted, as early interventions and readiness have the potential to make a difference.
APS Practice Certificate in Disaster Support
Free for eligible members
28 CPD hours
The APS Practice Certificate in Disaster Support expands psychologists’ expertise. To receive the training for free, eligible members must be willing to join the APS Disaster Response Network following completion of the training.
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APS Disaster Response Network
The DRN is a national network of psychologists who have a special interest and expertise in working with individuals and communities affected by disasters and emergencies in Australia. Our members have volunteered in response to bushfires, floods, cyclones, as well as community-violence events like the Bourke Street incident and more recently the traumatic family violence murder of Hannah Clarke and her children. Find out how you can become a member.
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Read firsthand accounts of deployments from DRN members including from the 2019–20 summer of bushfires.
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