As part of the IMRF recent #FutureSAR Phase 2: Harnessing the Tides of Change report, six real-life case studies were outlined. These give examples of how climate-based events are changing everything from the physical changes to the environment in the Arctic, to the health impacts on search and rescue (SAR) crews. 

SAR is being reshaped by increasingly hot summers, wet winters and longer seasons. As a changing climate becomes the new normal, consequences are growing for those working in SAR. Changing environmental conditions are increasing demand, extending busy periods and intensifying exposure for responders. 

 The case study details how crew health and wellbeing must be prioritised and treated as a core part of mission success.

Research on disaster responders shows that repeated exposure to traumatic scenes causes real health effects, both physical and psychological. Fatigue and musculoskeletal pain are symptoms, alongside anxiety and post-traumatic stress. 

Evidence from other emergency services reinforces the picture. Commissioned by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), a large study of fire and rescue staff and volunteers found that mental wellbeing was impacted negatively by occupational stress, burnout and anxiety. This portrays the crucial lesson that help and support to prevent these physical and psychological symptoms are needed across an entire career, not just after a critical incident. 

Looking to another SAR domain, one example used in the Phase 2: Harnessing the Tides of Change case study is mountain rescue in Italy. Conditions in the mountains are being altered by warmer winters which is changing factors that could go wrong, which subsequently affects how long teams take to complete a rescue.

The same pattern is visible across both land and sea. Regarding SAR incidents, warmer conditions are lengthening peak periods for floods, wildfires and heat-related callouts. As incidents stack up, recovery time for crew shrinks. Additionally, there is a higher physical demand from escalating factors such as heat, smoke, floodwater and long hours spent wearing PPE. This increases the chance of dehydration, injury and infection to personnel.

The report highlights that targeted, proactive measures can be undertaken by personnel to enhance physical and mental wellbeing. Those working in SAR can brief their families before busy season to make sure homelife is able to adapt accordingly. Additionally, making sure there are plans in place to keep personnel cool in heatwaves and rotating the heaviest and hottest tasks can be positive aids.  Tracking sleep debt, overtime, heat exposure and self-reported stress should also be important considerations. Investing in crew health, the case study surmises, is not separate from mission success.

The IMRF #SARyouOK? initiative was created to support those working in maritime SAR and  further break down the stigma around discussing mental health and wellbeing. It highlights how crucial it is to consider not only the physiological effects, but also the psychological effects on SAR first responders and how seeking help is a key part of being operationally ready. 

The initiative provides resources including webinars, podcasts and a guidance framework structured around the prepare, support, normalise, approach to help manage stress and trauma among SAR personnel.  All resources can be accessed here.

Climate change is not only altering risk profiles for the public; it is reshaping the working lives of those tasked with rescue.

The IMRF is running a dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Seminar in St Malo, France on 24 November. The event will bring together the global maritime SAR community and focus on the #SARyouOK? guidance framework to highlight how mental health support can be strengthened across teams and organisations.  Participants will examine case studies from SAR organisations that have introduced effective mental health and wellbeing programmes, along with lessons learned and the positive impact these approaches can have on operational culture.