Triple Zero Trauma Tour takes PTSD awareness across NSW

HE’S BEEN trying to change attitudes to post traumatic stress disorder for years. Now this retired cop is taking his very personal crusade on the road.

Jeff Garland is about to start a tour on October 24th raising awareness about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (AAP IMAGE / Troy Snook)

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After many futile years of trying to get politicians and public organisations to do more to recognise Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a retired police officer has decided to take matters into his own hands.

Retired senior sergeant Jeff Garland launches his Triple Zero Trauma Tour on October 24 and will travel NSW trying to raise awareness about how PTSD affects emergency services staff and volunteers.

“I’ve had meetings with politicians, police officials and other organisations at all levels for years — and I don’t think much as happened,” Mr Garland said.

“I’m still hearing stories that nothing has changed.

Jeff Garland in his days as a police officer.

“It’s about time someone stood up and said enough is enough — I can at least give people education about what to expect in their career — that they are going to see things that will affect them and its OK to reach out for help.

“If you reach out for help it can save your career, it can save your marriage, and it can certainly save your life.”

Jeff Garland retired as a senior sergeant from the police service in 2011 with PTSD, having ­suffered his first episode in 2001 after he jumped on to the tray of a speeding ute in Redfern while trying to arrest the driver.

“I still don’t know how I even got on to the tray, but my wife said if you do something like that again I’ll kill you,” Mr Garland said.

CCTV footage of Jeff Garland in the tray of a ute he was trying to stop in Redfern when he was a police officer.

The incident was the last straw for Mr Garland.

“I had spent five years in Redfern, wrestling people with knives, facing people trying to run me down — the ute incident was my last shift at Redfern,” he said.

He was off from 2001 to 2003 with PTSD and underwent counselling and rehabilitation.

He was transferred to the Central Coast during that time and it’s also when he began writing his book Split Second, talking about PTSD, recounting his own experiences and suicidal thoughts and offering strategies for others to use.

He runs a monthly PTSD support group at Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club where he will kick off the tour.

The Triple Zero Trauma Tour is aimed at people serving (or planning to serve) in the police, fire and ambulance services, as well as doctors and nurses. It includes volunteer organisations such as the VRA and RFS and surf lifesaving.

“It’s also for families — they need to understand what is going on — what the signs and symptoms are, where they go for help, what treatment is available and what strategies they can use.”

LO CAL TOUR DATES

Tuesday October 24 — Terrigal Surf Club 10am

Wednesday October 25 — Doyalson Wyee RSL 10am

Wednesday October 25 Mingara Reccreation Club 6pm