Search and rescue first responders face pressures unlike any other industry.

These individuals often put their own personal safety at risk every single day to ensure that those at sea are safe.

However, the impact of operating in such a high-stake environment on a near constant basis can have an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of those involved in maritime SAR.

Dominika Wanczyk is the Medical Manager at SOS Méditerranée. She plays a crucial role to ensure that her organisation has a duty of care to all staff, either at sea or on land, and provide critical mental health and wellbeing support year-round. We also talk to her about the processes that SOS Méditerranée has in place including providing and training their staff with psychological first aid so that crew members are well-suited to provide their own welfare support to those they save or who are in distress.

Dominika’s role and experience, as well as the training provided by SOS Méditerranée, highlights why the IMRF’s #SARyouOK? Initiative is so important. We are looking to further break down the stigma that is attached to mental health and wellbeing issues and increase awareness of the need for appropriate support for all those working in the maritime SAR sector.

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

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