Picture: J.L. “FRED” SMITH
THE fitness of Millicent Country Fire Service Brigade volunteer firefighters Ryan Jellesma and Kalli Quinlan will be put to the test as they take on the Melbourne Stair Climb challenge next month.
The challenge involves climbing 28 floors while wearing 25kg of breathing apparatus gear.
The September 7 event will raise awareness for mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among emergency service workers whether paid or volunteer.
“The emergency jobs are both rewarding and technically challenging,” Mr Jellesma said ahead of his fourth stair climb.
“Incidents involving fatal vehicle accidents or traumatic fires where family and friends have been involved can take a toll.”
Ms Quinlan said she was motivated to serve the community.
“I joined the CFS in 2012 to help the community I had moved to,” Ms Quinlan said.
“It was clear to me the entirely volunteer Millicent CFS plays a significant role in the community to provide emergency response.
“I was adamant that I could learn and develop into an aspiring firefighter and help locals when most needed.”
As front-line responders, CFS members are faced with potentially high-risk, high-impact situations that can trigger emotional responses.
These traumatic exposures can lead to members experiencing mental health conditions they find difficult to overcome.
The money raised from the Melbourne Stair Climb goes directly towards the Emergency Service Foundation, Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute.
The climb has raised almost $1.8m for the Alfred Hospital Burns Unit, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute since its inception in 2014.
The challenge is a way to support the dedicated firefighters around Australia living with mental health issues.
Visit firefighterclimb.org.au/station/sa-cfs/millicent to sponsor the firefighters.
