After the storm has passed, what happens next? Host Stuart Diver talks with decorated first responders Paul Featherstone and Alan Playford about the mental side of attending traumatic events and why the simple act of listening is key.

Paul Featherstone was a key member of the team that rescued Stuart Diver during the 1997 Thredbo Landslide. Alan Playford's remarkable story was covered in Earth: Newcastle Earthquake. We recommend having a listen to that episode first if you haven't already.

The Elements is hosted by Stuart Diver. Written and Produced by Tim Russell. Audio Production and Original Music by Slade Gibson. Researcher and Assistant Producer Clare O’Halloran. Executive Producers are Stuart Diver, Slade Gibson & Cameron Jurd. A production of Pivot Studios.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call contact your local crisis centre. In Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In New Zealand, call 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354) or send a text to HELP (4357). In the US, call Lifeline on 1800 273 8255. In the UK, text 'Shout' to 85258. For numbers in other territories, please search online for your local crisis centre.

If you would like to know more about Disaster Relief Australia, the not-for-profit disaster relief organisation Paul described in this episode, go to disasterreliefaus.org.

We thank and pay tribute to all first responders for their tireless work in protecting and keeping our communities safe.

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