Search and rescue (SAR) organisations should lead from the front and initiate a mental health and wellbeing culture.

SAR workers often face stresses that are not present in other high-risk fields of work. Operating in a high-stake environment on a near-constant basis can impact the mental health and wellbeing of those involved in maritime SAR.

Orlando Max Avis, Search and Rescue Manager at SOS Méditerranée in France, says that mental health and wellbeing for SAR personnel are vital as some rescue incidents can have a  lasting impact. It is therefore vital that  SAR personnel can talk about these incidents, in particular as they often give up so much and in some cases take enormous personal risks to save others. Due to this organisations and team leaders should lead from the front and initiate a culture that clarifies how the crew can be helped; confidentiality is also essential.

You can find out more about the initiative by clicking here. https://www.international-maritime-rescue.org/saryouok

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