At what cost do the services of first responders, so vital for our society, come to those who deliver them?

Martin McKenzie-Murray, himself a sufferer of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), interviews three Australian frontline workers and delves into the mental effects of dealing with traumatic sights, such as a mother and baby both decapitated after a car accident.

Peter, a Paramedic in Tasmania, served at high-profile disasters including the Port Arthur massacre and the Beaconsfield mine collapse.

Tara, a Firefighter, enjoys the camaraderie in the brigade, but also confronts reminders of her past.

After a difficult upbringing, Brett found stability in being a Police Officer, but it eventually forced him to question his rigid moral view of the world.

PSA CPSU NSW members, such as Prison Officers, Youth Justice Workers and those in emergency-based organisations such as NSW Police and the Rural Fire Service will see many similarities between the three workers interviewed and their own confronting workplaces.

The stories cover effects such as relationship breakdowns, difficulty relating to people outside their workplaces and visits to mental-health facilities.
Sirens makes for confronting reading, but gives an excellent insight into the people protecting our society.