The Silent Crisis: Volunteer Emergency Responders and the Fight for Mental Health Coverage
For years, volunteer firefighters, land search and rescue teams, and other emergency responders have been quietly facing a crisis. While readily risking their lives for their communities, they’ve been denied the same mental health support afforded to their paid counterparts. Recent cases, like those of Peter Ottley and Jarrad Scott, are bringing this disparity into sharp focus, sparking renewed calls for legislative change.
The Disparity in Coverage: A Matter of Pay
The core issue is simple: ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) coverage for mental injury is tied to employment. If a volunteer experiences PTSD or other mental health challenges as a direct result of their service, they are ineligible for support. As Jarrad Scott poignantly pointed out, “You can go out and be drunk and wrap a car around a power pole and be covered by ACC, but if you’re volunteering to save lives, you’re not covered.” This creates a stark and arguably unfair contrast.
Current legislation provides physical injury cover to volunteers, and if a physical injury *results* in a mental injury, that is covered. However, mental distress stemming directly from the psychological toll of emergency response work is not.
Mount Maunganui and the Cumulative Trauma
The January 2025 Mt Maunganui landslide tragedy served as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by volunteer emergency services. Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) highlighted the repeated exposure to trauma, arguing that the current system fails to protect those who consistently put themselves in harm’s way. LandSAR chief executive Wendy Wright emphasized that 95 percent of the search and rescue workforce are volunteers, serving their communities out of a sense of duty.
The problem isn’t always a single, catastrophic event. As Peter Ottley explained, his PTSD developed over 13 years of service, a “cumulative load” that eventually became overwhelming. This highlights the long-term mental health risks associated with repeated exposure to traumatic incidents.
Failed Petitions and Government Resistance
Despite a 2025 petition garnering 36,549 signatures, Parliament rejected calls for change, citing concerns about setting a precedent and the estimated annual cost of $244,533 (roughly $20 per volunteer firefighter). The Minister for ACC, Scott Simpson, prioritized the sustainability of the scheme over expanding coverage.
Labour’s ACC spokesperson, Camilla Belich, offered a contrasting view, proposing a Members Bill to provide volunteer firefighters with the same ACC cover as their paid colleagues. The party indicated a willingness to consider extending this coverage to other volunteer occupations if necessary.
The Human Cost: Stories of Struggle
Jarrad Scott’s experience illustrates the devastating consequences of this lack of support. After assisting in the recovery of a body – a person he knew – he was denied ACC coverage despite being diagnosed with PTSD. While LandSAR provided initial support, including counselling, the financial burden and lack of long-term care took a significant toll.
Peter Ottley’s story is similar. He was left struggling with PTSD after years of service, his family bearing the financial strain while he sought treatment. Both men emphasize the urgent need for systemic change to prevent others from facing the same hardships.
The Future of Volunteer Support: What’s Next?
The current situation is unsustainable. The reliance on volunteers for critical emergency services demands a re-evaluation of their mental health support. Several potential pathways could lead to improved outcomes.
Expanding ACC Coverage
The most direct solution is to amend legislation to extend ACC coverage to all volunteer emergency responders for mental injury. While concerns about cost and precedent exist, the relatively low estimated annual cost suggests this is a feasible option. The argument that volunteers should receive the same care as paid professionals is gaining traction.
Dedicated Volunteer Support Programs
In the absence of immediate legislative change, increased funding for dedicated volunteer support programs is crucial. This could include expanded Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), access to specialized trauma counselling (like EMDR), and peer support networks.
Proactive Mental Health Training
Investing in proactive mental health training for volunteers can equip them with the tools to recognize and manage stress, build resilience, and seek help when needed. This preventative approach could reduce the incidence of PTSD and other mental health challenges.
FAQ: Volunteer Mental Health and ACC
- Are volunteer firefighters covered by ACC for physical injuries? Yes, volunteers are covered for physical injuries sustained while on duty.
- What about mental injuries? Currently, volunteers are not eligible for ACC cover for mental injuries unless those injuries result from a physical injury.
- Why is there a difference in coverage? The difference stems from the fact that ACC coverage is generally tied to employment.
- What is being done to address this issue? There are ongoing calls for legislative change and increased funding for volunteer support programs.
Did you know? Approximately 86 percent of the front-line workforce of Fire and Emergency New Zealand are volunteers.
The stories of Peter Ottley and Jarrad Scott are a wake-up call. The dedication of volunteer emergency responders is invaluable, and it’s time their mental wellbeing was valued and protected with the same commitment they demonstrate to their communities.
Pro Tip: If you are a volunteer emergency responder struggling with your mental health, reach out to your organization for support and consider seeking professional help. You are not alone.
Share your thoughts on this important issue in the comments below. What changes would you like to notice implemented to support our volunteer emergency responders?
