Call-out to first responders

A CHARITY supporting paid emergency services personnel are reminding local front-line workers to seek help if they are experiencing mental ill-health or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Code 9 Foundation committee member and retired intensive care paramedic, Julie Scollary worked in Ballarat’s ambulance fleet for 14 years.

She said Code 9 is there for police, firefighters, ambulance officers and 000 call takers, their families and others in their close networks offering support.

“Our Foundation’s biggest push is that ‘you are never alone.’ We never want our front-line emergency services people to feel that way,” she said.

“We want them to seek assistance, talk about what’s happening, and even link up with us; a fully-fledged charity. We’re not a crisis group but will point people in the right direction.”

Leroy Mac Designs’ Rebecca McErvale, based in Lexton, is a former ESTA ambulance call-taker who donates to charity annually. She is a recent supporter of Code 9.

“Last month Code 9 did a fundraising charity event, encouraging people to walk their 000 to 9000 Step challenge each day throughout the month of October to raise awareness,” Mrs McErvale said.

“We offered to donate $10 from every blanket sale to their charity and have managed to raise $720 for them. It’s something small that we could do.

“Knowing Julie quite well, and the amazing work they do, I felt Code 9’s work was a very reputable cause that needed some recognition.”

Ms Scollary was part of the challenge and said all funds make a “huge difference.”

Primarily, money goes to assistance dog training – working with one costs $35,000 – and organising forums. Dogs are matched with first responders to work with them.

“We provide meals for first responders, their families and partners, and are running training programs for mental health first-aid which costs approximately $55 per person,” she said.

“We also run community support groups, webinars and podcasts.”

Visit code9ptsd.org.au, facebook.com/code9ptsd or email [email protected] if you’re interested in making contact or fundraising.