

Andrew Palacios @Andy
Bridging Resilience and Leadership in Emergency Response
Bridging Resilience and Leadership in Emergency Response
Over the weekend, during the Level 5 training block, I had the opportunity to observe and provide feedback during ERGT’s Lead Emergency Teams (LET) course.
This course is designed to train and assess individuals responsible for evaluating emergencies, determining appropriate responses, coordinating rescue operations, and containing incidents. It equips participants with the skills and knowledge required to lead and coordinate an emergency team, including resource deployment at the scene of an emergency.
Drawing from my previous experience as a Vertical Rescue instructor in the mining sector, along with other disciplines, I helped bridge the connection between the specialised resilience skills taught in the HART Certification and their practical application in leadership scenarios. The ability to run an emergency team effectively depends not only on technical expertise but also on strong leadership and decision-making under pressure.
Understandably, people often struggle to see the connection between mental health, resilience, and the hard skill sets required for the job. It is crucial to demonstrate that these elements do not exist in isolation—rather, they complement each other and are essential for operational effectiveness and sustainability for both the emergency responder and those they assist.
Integrating the link between psychological and physical resilience is key to maximising the impact of mental health training. When responders see mental health as part of their core skill set, rather than something separate, they can apply it more effectively in real-world emergency situations.
#EmergencyResponse #Leadership #Resilience #MentalHealth #HARTCertification #aepconsultants #ERGT #RioTinto