Helping our frontline heroes: New study releases ways to stop dog days
Helping our frontline workers through psychiatric assistance dogs Emergency services personnel are Australia’s first line of defense in times of crisis – but who do they turn to in times of need? University of Southern Queensland researchers are investigating how psychiatric assistance dogs (PADs) can aid post-traumatic growth and recovery, with a focus on members of the Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance and State Emergency Services. Project leader Karina Heyworth, a psychology PhD candidate, has launched a new study that aims to measure how PAD can help reduce and manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “PTSD is highly prevalent in Australian first responders and defense personnel, often resulting in dire consequences such as social isolation, poor relationships, depression and the inability to work and perform daily tasks,” Heyworth said. “Current treatment methods focus on trauma-focused psychological interventions, but the vast majority of people do not respond to these firs