This week marked a significant milestone with the first-ever Level 5 training block in the professional development pathway for Rio Tinto Emergency Responders. The HART Certification program was the first course in this advanced training, delivering specialised resilience skills tailored for emergency services professionals. I had the privilege of instructing and delivering HART, as well as observing the Advanced Life Support (ALS) course—specifically the Initial Resuscitation and Defibrillation assessments. Designed for Emergency Services Officers (ESOs), Level 5 builds on the foundational knowledge from Levels 1–4, equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and leadership capabilities essential for their current roles and for progression to Emergency Services Supervisor (ESS). This training integrates practical application, industry standards, and Rio Tinto’s commitment to operational excellence, ensuring ESOs are prepared to lead effectively in high-pressure environments. Emergency service personnel in Australia face higher exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs), increased psychological distress, and a greater risk of mental health conditions than the general population. Key statistics (Beyond Blue, 2020 – Answering the Call National Survey): * 33% of police and emergency services personnel experience high or very high psychological distress (compared to 12.5% in the general Australian population). * 40% of employees and 33% of volunteers in emergency services have been diagnosed with a mental health condition (compared to 20% of the general adult population). This is why resilience training is not just valuable—it is essential. A huge thank you to the ERGT team for recognising the importance of mental strength in emergency response and for integrating HART Certification into this vital professional development pathway. Together, we are empowering emergency responders with the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to thrive under pressure. #EmergencyResponse #ResilienceTraining #HARTCertification #RioTinto #ERGT #MentalHealthMatters #Driven #AEPConsultants