Hillcrest primary school tragedy: Tasmanian first responders still receiving counselling

More than 150 Tasmanian first responders are still receiving ongoing support 12 months after a freak accident killed six young students.

Director of wellbeing support for Ambulance Tasmania and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management Matthew Richman

ABOUT 12 members of Tasmania’s emergency services remain on mental health leave following the Hillcrest tragedy that saw six young students killed.

The trauma experienced by first responders – and the ongoing efforts to support them – have been highlighted a year on from the tragedy.

Director of wellbeing support for Ambulance Tasmania and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management Matthew Richman said 174 members of emergency services had been receiving ongoing care.

“When Hillcrest occurred we activated our critical incident stress management team and also our broader wellbeing support team and we had people on the ground very quickly to provide support on scene,” Mr Richman said.

Devastated police officers at the scene of a jumping castle accident, where six children died, Hillcrest Primary School in Devonport. Photo: Monte Bovill for ABC News

“That support really increased over the first couple of weeks and we are extending that support out for a two-year period.

“It’s well known the earlier the intervention can occur the better the outcome will be over time.

“The two years of wellbeing checks is not something we have done before.”

READ MORE: Mum’s beautiful moment after school tragedy

Mr Richman said the Department was working closely with the about 12 emergency services workers still on leave, to support their return to work.

“It varies on an individual basis. Obviously it was a very impactful event, we are quite successful at returning a number of people to work after significant incidents,” he said.

Director of wellbeing support for Ambulance Tasmania and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management Matthew Richman. Photo: Craig Warhurst

“I think it’s fair to say that Hillcrest, as we saw though the flowers that were left at the scene, that it was a really impactful event for the entire community. All the emergency responders are part of that community, and it was felt very strongly.”

Mr Richman encouraged the wider Tasmanian community to keep emergency services workers in their thoughts.

“If we look at the role of all emergency service responders, it is important from time to time for the public to put themselves in the shoes of the responders, actually understand the complexity and the magnitude of what is being dealt with, and perhaps have a moment of quiet reflection to be appreciative of the services that are provided,” he said.

A commemoration ceremony will be held at Market Square, Devonport at 5.30pm Thursday for the community to remember and honour the lives of Zane Mellor, 12, Peter Dodt, 12, Addison Stewart, 11, Jye Sheehan, 12, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, 12, and Chace Harrison, 11.