They’re the four-legged IMT ‘support crew’ who have zero knowledge about ambulance operations, no formal qualifications to their name whatsoever and not even a day’s worth of work experience under their belt.
But you see, none of that matters when you hear of the impact the adorable Labrador quartet of Remy, Arlo, Blue and watchful mum Nala have had on our IMT staff since they started paying its members weekly visits.
Sure, these furry friends may not be able to provide advice on appropriate PPE use or put together a spreadsheet on Rapid Antigen Testing stats, but what they can do – and have done – is boost the wellbeing of the IMT at the end of what can be some very long, and at times, stressful weeks in the fight against COVID-19.
The puppies and their mum have become regular, weekly visitors in the IMT thanks to Brett Johnson, the current Executive Staff Officer of the team.
While working under the COVID-19 IMT’s former State Incident Controller, Stewart Clarke, Brett sought permission to bring the puppies in each Friday to help lift the spirits of his colleagues.
And make no bones about it, the move - made possible because Brett is a dog breeder - has had an instant impact on those staff working in the IMT.
“It (the puppies’ presence) has definitely lifted the morale of the room,” Brett said.
“And that’s not saying it was negative – in no way, shape or form is that the case… it is just that they add a level of excitement and happiness in the room when they arrive and start running around.
“When we arrive with them in the morning there is an immediate shift in positivity, being that it’s at the end of the week when we bring them and everybody is pretty tired.”
“We’ve taken them into the IMT, but also Sydney Control Centre, Aeromedical Control Centre and Bankstown Superstation (where Brett is based when not in the IMT).”
Former COVID-19 IMT Room Manager Andrew Ferguson – who ordinarily is the NSW Ambulance Learning & Development Facilitator – is among those who can attest to the positive impact the dogs had during his time with the team.
“In a really high-stress role like in the IMT, it’s really nice to have the four legs and the fur to make you feel a little bit better,” he said.
“As a PSO (peer support officer) I’ve got a lot of interest in mental health and wellbeing.
"While I don’t want to put PSOs out of a job, I think a lot of the good work we do can often be solved by four legs and a wagging tail.
“It’s the unconditional love we get from dogs. I think it just buoys people’s spirits.”
Stewart Clarke also echoed the sentiment about the benefits the dogs have had on the team. The group of talented people within the team (that Stewart oversaw during his six-week stint as State Incident Controller) were inspiring and dedicated,” he said.
“They would work long days, weekends and after hours. It was vital that we looked after their wellbeing and created an environment where they remained engaged and positive.
“They came to me with the request and it has proven to have had a great impact.”