They’ve Answered 14 Million Emergency Calls: Today Australia Says Thank You

Today, on Thank a First Responder Day, Australians are being encouraged to pause and recognise the people behind those calls, from police and paramedics to firefighters and support crews.

Across NSW and the rest of the country, communities, schools and businesses are marking the day with simple acts of appreciation, whether that is a message, a coffee, or a moment of thanks.

Behind the numbers are people who show up to some of the most difficult moments in others’ lives. While most Australians move on after an emergency ends, for those on the frontline, the experience can stay with them.

“First responders don’t just attend emergencies, they absorb them,” says Fortem Australia CEO Mick Willing, a former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner with more than 31 years of service.

Research suggests the pressure of the job adds up over time, with many workers reporting high levels of stress linked to repeated exposure to traumatic events. It is one reason organisations like Fortem Australia are expanding support services for both current and former first responders, as well as their families.

For some families, the job shapes everyday life, from shift work to the emotional impact that comes with it. That experience is often shared, not carried by one person alone.

Still, the focus of today is not just on the challenges, but on recognition and support.

“Saying thank you is powerful, but it is just the beginning. If we want first responders to continue showing up for us, we need to show up for them too,” Mick says.

There are simple ways Australians can get involved, from leaving a message of thanks to supporting programs that provide mental health and wellbeing services.

Because for the people who answer those millions of calls each year, a small moment of recognition can go a long way.

Find out more or share your thanks here.