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As a paramedic, Suze is interested in the mental health and wellbeing of her colleagues and utilises Topaz to break down barriers and initiate conversations that can be public or private depending on how the staff wish to approach it.

Instead the discussions are designed to be supportive and directional rather than therapeutic.

It all started when Shift Manager Mike Sunderland met with Suze to discuss some ways they’d be able improve staff wellbeing across Blue Shift.

She says a few ideas came out of it, the main one being to trial a day where they could dedicate attention to staff and invite conversation around mental health matters.

“Mike, myself and my dog, Topaz, made ourselves available recently at a few hub stops to provide support for crews as they cycled through,” Suze says.

“Everyone loved Topaz and morale improved visibly everywhere we went.”

Pet therapy has a lot of evidence-based support around the world and within paramedic services, Suze explains.

“Topaz isn’t a certified therapy dog, but her personality has always been well suited to interacting with people, providing patient and gentle attention everywhere she goes.

“I think the proper terminology is actually emotional support dog.

“The feedback from staff has been incredibly positive. Everyone wants her [Topaz] back.

Wellington Free is working on a plan to continue these visits regularly every couple of months.