Queensland Emergency Dispatchers – Trauma and Wellbeing Research Project

Summary and scope

The Customer invites Queensland-based research providers, including both university and non-university organisations, to deliver a 12-month research project examining trauma exposure and psychological wellbeing within the Queensland emergency dispatcher workforce including Emergency Medical Dispatchers (Queensland Ambulance Service), Police Communications Operators (Queensland Police Service) and Fire Communications Officers (Queensland Fire Department).The research will:i. quantify and analyse trends in the psychological wellbeing, trauma exposure, workforce participation, absenteeism, retention and other relevant workforce indicators among emergency dispatchers;ii. identify organisational, leadership, supervisory and workforce practices that contribute to positive psychological wellbeing, workforce retention and job satisfaction;iii. examine factors that support successful transition into emergency dispatcher roles, including recruitment, onboarding, training and early workforce experiences;iv. explore the lived-living experience of emergency dispatchers, including factors associated with psychological distress and positive workforce outcomes;v. identify similarities and differences across participating agencies and operational centres, including opportunities for cross-agency learning and shared improvement strategies; andvi. highlight opportunities for system improvements that strengthen psychological safety, workforce sustainability and trauma-informed organisational responses within the Queensland emergency dispatcher context.