As the festive season unfolds, our streets are adorned with lights and homes are filled with laughter, it’s easy to forget that for many in our community, there is no such thing as “time off.” Our first responders are the ever-present safety net we rely on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

These extraordinary individuals are the ones we call upon in our darkest hours. They fight fires, rescue stranded motorists, clear debris after storms, respond to medical emergencies, and protect public safety anytime, anywhere. But what does it truly take to be one of those we all rely on, day or night?

First responders are not just skilled professionals; they are dedicated individuals who willingly sacrifice their time – often missing family dinners, birthdays, and even holiday celebrations – to ensure the rest of us are safe. Being prepared to be on call 24/7 requires a combination of rigorous training, physical and mental resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service.

For volunteers like those in the SES and RFS, the burden is even greater. These dedicated individuals juggle their full-time jobs and personal lives with the demands of emergency service work. They drop everything at a moment’s notice, racing toward danger while others seek safety. For our police force, paramedics, and hospital workers, the responsibility is just as immense, with long shifts and constant vigilance to ensure public safety and health during peak holiday times.

As a community, we have a role to play in supporting our first responders, and it starts with common-sense decisions. A small choice, like wearing a life jacket while fishing, swimming between the flags, or avoiding lighting fires you may not be able to contain or don’t have permission for, can prevent emergency callouts. These actions reduce risks, allowing first responders to focus on critical emergencies and ensuring their physical and mental health is not unnecessarily strained.

But our role doesn’t stop at prevention. We can actively support first responders by recognising their sacrifices and ensuring they get to share in the holiday spirit too. That might mean lending a hand to a neighbour who’s an RFS volunteer, offering to watch their kids during a callout, or simply dropping by with a plate of holiday treats. Small gestures remind them their work is valued and appreciated.

What would we do without these remarkable individuals? The reality is, we’d be lost without their selflessness and expertise. They are the steady hands we depend on in crisis, the brave faces who run toward the danger the rest of us avoid.