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Lessons learnt from the bushfire emergency - veterinary sector
For veterinarians, vet nurses or other veterinary staff who treated sick or injured wildlife during the recent fire emergency in New South Wales.
This survey presents an opportunity for the National Parks and Wildlife Service to draw on the collective wisdom of the veterinary sector to ensure improved support and better coordination when responding to wildlife emergency events in the future.
The NPWS works with the Department of Primary Industries who coordinates assistance for animals including wildlife in emergencies under the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA).
Sharing your observations and experiences as frontline responders to these recent events will be invaluable in moving forward.
The collated results will provide an evidence based approach to identifying issues, concerns and potential solutions. The findings will form the basis for further targeted stakeholder consultation across the sector to ensure what is proposed is fit for purpose.
For the purpose of this survey, the dates to reflect on are between 1 August 2019 to 29 February 2020 which encompasses the main bushfire emergency period. It is acknowledged that wildlife were also impacted by prolonged drought, food shortages and heat stress events during this time. Although the survey is primarily focused on bushfire related responses, we ask you to also consider in your answers, the wildlife you treated who may have succumbed to these cumulative environmental pressures during this period.
The survey comprises 18 questions and will take around 20 minutes to complete, depending on the length of your written responses. Input has been sought from professional veterinary associations including Vets Beyond Borders (VBB) and the Veterinary Practitioners Board (VPB).
The questions ask about your role during the recent bushfire emergency, what worked well and what could be improved. The wildlife rehabilitation sector will also be separately surveyed.
This survey is based on a ‘no blame’ policy. Personal attacks or accusations will not be recorded. We are seeking feedback on your personal observations and experiences only.
The survey closes 11 pm 30th June 2020.
The NSW government would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts you made to treat our native wildlife during this unprecedented bushfire emergency.
Your commitment made a difference and we thank you.
