Citation

Parker C, Parsons J, Pettet TA. Proc. Australas. Road Safety Res. Policing Educ. Conf. 2002; 6(2): 203-206.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, copyright holder varies, Publisher Monash University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper details the planning, consultative process, establishment, operation, promotion and evaluation of a dedicated road trauma counselling service. This free and confidential telephone counselling service has been initiated to specifically provide a service for those suffering emotional, psychological trauma as a result of road crashes. The service is a result of an expressed need by community members and identified as a gap in service provision following consultation and research. Emergency personnel are now able to supply witness, and/or family or friends affected by road crashes, with a telephone number to access assistance and advice in coping with impact on them. Lifeline, in partnership with RoadWise, has a team of specially trained operators that provide this service statewide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In operation for 6 months, early evaluation results are positive (in terms of better managing road trauma) with expected demand being exceeded.