Search and rescue (SAR) organisations should lead from the front and initiate a mental health and wellbeing culture.

SAR workers often face stresses that are not present in other high-risk fields of work. Operating in a high-stake environment on a near-constant basis can impact the mental health and wellbeing of those involved in maritime SAR.

Jori Nordström, Chief Executive Officer of The Finnish Lifeboat Institution, Finland, says that mental health and wellbeing for SAR personnel are essential and have always been important. However, the SAR community didn’t always have a tradition or culture of discussing mental health and wellbeing. He says building trust between the organisation and crew members is vital for them to share their anxieties and feelings. The SARyouOK? initiative from the IMRF allows the SAR community to share best practices and learn from each other.

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

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