#SARyouOK?

Search-and-rescue (SAR) workers often face stresses that are not present in other high-risk fields of work.

SAR first responders often put themselves in harm's way, repeatedly putting their physical and mental wellbeing at risk.

According to research conducted by King's College London, on behalf of Human Rights at Sea, SAR first responders face the same risk of suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as that of combat veterans.

For this reason, the IMRF is proud to launch its #SARyouOK? Initiative in order to increase awareness and further break down the stigma that is attached to mental health and wellbeing issues faced by those working in the maritime SAR sector.

Since the launch of the project we have:

Launched the #SARyouOK? Launch Video.
Produced a podcast with Matthew Mitchell, the US Coast Guard's Director of Policy.
Posted a series of videos with members of the SAR community who share their experiences about mental health and wellbeing in the sector.
Held a #SARyouOK? Workshop Webinar in April 2023.

What Do We Hope to Achieve?

Our aim is to work with SAR organisations including our members to produce a Guidance and Best Practice framework on Implementing Mental Health and Wellbeing Practices into SAR Organisations, which will provide tangible and practical advice that SAR organisations can use to implement in their own operations.

We are planning to host an online workshop and an in-person seminar on this subject in 2023.

We also want to release a number of blogs, videos and podcasts, giving SAR responders and organisations the opportunity to talk about their experiences.

Join Our Working Group

The IMRF is looking for a wide range of SAR personnel and organisations around the world to share their experiences and frameworks when it comes to dealing with mental health and wellbeing.

If you are interested in joining the IMRF's official #SARyouOK? working group, please contact Caroline Jupe at [email protected].

If you have any questions and/or would like any further information or to assist us with our #SARyouOK? Initiative, please contact Caroline Jupe at [email protected].

In the meantime, if you would like to be kept updated on our latest news you can sign up to our newsletter.

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The IMRF brings together and represents the world’s maritime search and rescue organisations, including voluntary and governmental organisations, as well as suppliers to the sector, to improve maritime SAR capabilities worldwide.
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