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Psychological Injuries Are a Significant Risk for NSW RFS Volunteers

NSW RFS volunteers routinely attend traumatic incidents including:

• Major bushfires
• Fatal accidents
• Rescue operations
• Natural disasters
• Threats to life and property

The psychological impact of these events can be profound and long-lasting.

Workers compensation benefits may be available where a volunteer develops a psychological injury arising from authorised volunteer duties.

Common Psychological Injury Claims

Compensable psychological conditions may include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Acute stress disorder
• Adjustment disorder

Symptoms may not appear immediately following an incident and can emerge months or even years later.

How the Recent NSW Reforms Affect Psychological Injury Claims

The NSW Government has introduced significant reforms affecting psychological injury claims within the workers compensation scheme, including changes to impairment thresholds and claims processes.

While many emergency service volunteers continue to benefit from statutory protections, the reforms highlight the increasing importance of obtaining strong medical evidence and carefully preparing claims.

Volunteers experiencing psychological symptoms should seek treatment and legal advice as early as possible.

Proving a Psychological Injury Claim

Successful claims typically require evidence establishing:

• A recognised psychiatric condition
• A connection between the condition and authorised NSWRFS activities
• The effect of the condition on work capacity
• Appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment

Evidence may come from:

• Treating psychologists
• Treating psychiatrists
• General practitioners
• Independent medical specialists

Common Disputes

Insurers frequently dispute:

• Whether the condition is work-related
• The severity of symptoms
• Capacity for employment
• Ongoing entitlement to benefits
• Permanent impairment assessments

These disputes often require detailed medical evidence and legal assistance.

Weekly Compensation and Treatment Expenses

Volunteers suffering a psychological injury may be entitled to:

• Weekly compensation payments
• Psychological treatment expenses
• Psychiatric treatment expenses
• Medication costs
• Rehabilitation services

The availability and duration of benefits will depend on the particular facts of the claim.

Why Early Action Matters

Psychological injury claims can become more difficult to prove if treatment is delayed or symptoms are not properly documented.

If you are experiencing symptoms following an operational incident, obtaining medical support and legal advice early can significantly improve the prospects of a successful claim.

If you are an NSW RFS volunteer suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression or another psychological condition arising from your service, contact Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers for advice about your rights. 

Disclosure and important note: This article is based on our own legal research and thinking. Some of its content has been drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The authors have checked and approved this article, including the AI generated content, for publication.

This article was published on 26 August 2026 by Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers and is based on the relevant state of the law (legislation, regulations and case law) at that date for the jurisdiction in which it is published. Please note this article does not constitute legal advice. If you ever need legal advice or want to discuss a legal problem, please contact us to see if we can help. You can reach us on 1800 059 278 or via the Contact us page on our website. (www.codea.com.au). If you or a loved one has been injured, use our Personal injury Claim Check now.