SEVERAL Limestone Coast Country Fire Service volunteers have “stepped up” to highlight depression, post-traumatic stress injuries and suicide by climbing 28-storeys in a Melbourne skyscraper while wearing 25kgs of firefighting gear.
Compton CFS senior firefighter Corey Crafter was joined by fellow brigade members Renee Ackerley and Blayne Price at the recent Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb, which raises money for Emergency Services Foundation, Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute.
Taking on the challenge for the third year in a row, Mr Crafter said it was an honour to be part of the event.
“It is a really tough event to take part in but it is so worth it,” he said.
“It falls in line with commemorating September 11 and we each wear a number for a firefighter who lost their life during September 11.
“They climbed 110 storeys in full gear, although what we do at the event is nowhere near what they went through, it is an honour to pay tribute to those 343 that made the ultimate sacrifice on that day.”
In addition to coinciding with September 11 memorials, the event also raises awareness for mental health in emergency services and the defence force.
Research has found around 10pc of emergency service members suffer from post traumatic stress injury and 373 members of the Australian Defence Force took their own lives between 2001 and 2016.
Mr Crafter said he aimed to reach the top in less than 10 minutes, but due to lack of training in the lead up, finished in 13 minutes, 42 seconds.
Station members and teammates Renee Ackerley and Blayne Price also took on the challenge, finishing in five minutes, 41 seconds and seven minutes, 26 seconds respectively.
Mr Price said the day was “full of emotion” but a worthwhile experience for an important cause.
“I think the event really hits close to home being part of the emergency services but also working in mental health,” he said.
“At some point in their life, everyone goes through something that has an impact on their mental health.
“Raising money for charities that support people with mental health issues is so important, but so is raising that awareness.
“Even if people cannot donate, they can talk to their friends and let them know they are there for them or it is okay to reach out and that is just as meaningful.”
Mr Ackerley has taken part in five of the six events held since the stair climb began, with a personal best time of four minutes, 59 seconds in 2015.
There are not many two-storey buildings in the South East so climbing 28 storeys is something unheard of for the Compton crew, but Mr Ackerley said it all came down to good training.
“I am always trying stay active and keeping my cardio up wherever possible,” he said.
“But it is obviously very different when you are stair climbing in comparison to going for a run or a walk.
“Regardless of how fast anyone completes the event, I think it shows good physical fitness and it gives great confidence in the team to be able to complete something like this.”
The trio has committed to starting their training well ahead of next year’s event and has already made plans to take on the challenge again.
Donations for the event and the Compton CFS team are still open with an aim to raise $700,000 across all teams.
Visit www.firefighterclimb.org.au/station/sa-cfs/compton to donate to the cause.
