National Love Your Pet Day is an important day for pet owners across the globe. This day is celebrated annually on February 20th and is a reminder to show our furry friends how much we care for them. As we celebrate this day, it’s also important to acknowledge the positive impact that pets can have on our mental health.
In the healthcare industry, healthcare workers can be under stress and pressure. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this, with healthcare workers being at the forefront of the fight against the virus. In such a high-pressure environment, pets can play a crucial role in helping healthcare workers manage their stress levels and improve their mental health.
We interviewed Emma Couch, Registered Paramedic and Trainer at Australian Paramedical College on the importance of her 2-year-old Kelpie X Border Collie, Rex,
‘We got Rex as a rescue dog at about 7 months old, he came off a farm straight to his new beachside abode. It’s quite amazing really, I thought we were just getting a dog, what I didn’t expect was we were getting someone who celebrates happiness with you, can sense when you are not at your best and who promises to greet you every day with excitement wiggles, cuddles and kisses.
Being a shift worker for the last six years a lot of my days off are when the rest of the world is at work, having Rex has meant that these days were no longer lonely ones. We all know exercise is good for us but let me tell you, having a working dog has meant that daily walks are a non-nonnegotiable in our house! The paramedic profession is an incredibly rewarding career, but it doesn’t come without its mental taxes.
I am so grateful to my furry friend Rex for his daily reminders to smile, be happy, share your love with others, get outside and moving!’
At APC, we are fortunate to have our very own office dog, Teddi. Teddi’s presence in the office has been a source of comfort and joy for our staff members, occasionally known to cause some ruckus too although! Students who attend their Clinical Workshops at our Gold Coast, Queensland campus have the privilege of getting to meet Teddi and having some downtime with her during lunch breaks and between scenarios too.
Pets can also provide emotional support and companionship for healthcare workers and it has been found that petting and playing with a pet can help release endorphins, which can improve our mood and provide us with a sense of comfort and happiness.
Would you like to meet Emma or Teddi and see what opportunities Australian Paramedical College can offer you? If so, enquire now!
Choose from any of our three pre-hospital emergency health care qualifications:
HLT51020 – Diploma of Emergency Health Care
HLT41120 – Certificate IV in Health Care
HLT31120 – Certificate III in Non-emergency Patient Transport