Epping CFA: Volunteers tackle stair challenge to boost mental health

Like many firefighters, the volunteers at Epping CFA are no strangers to the challenges of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Here’s how you can help those who are so often at the frontline of tragedy.

Epping CFA members Bodie, Rheannon, Kieran, Ange and Steve.

For Epping CFA volunteer firefighter Steve Hickling the challenge of scaling 28 floors while wearing 25kg of gear is a personal one.

“I have lost work mates as well as a family friend to suicide,” he said.

“There was never any prior warning.”

Mr Hickling will be one of five Epping firefighters to participate in the annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb to raise funds to fight PTSD, depression and suicide.

Mr Hickling said he planned to push himself by climbing the Crown Metropol Hotel on September 7 because the event offered a tangible way to help firefighters in need.

“When it happens (suicide) everyone always seems to speak the same words, ‘I wish I could have done something to prevent it’, well, here is your chance,” he said.

Money raised will go towards improving support services, funding research and removing stigmas around PTSD and mental health in emergency workers.

Training had come naturally for Mr Hickling who worked full-time as a stevedore.

“I am climbing gangways onto ships, three-storey high ladders on straddle carriers or 30 plus stairs to the top of the gantry cranes,” he said.

He was also preparing for the challenge at home with his 12-year-old daughter Jacinta.

“She hops on my back and we climb stairs together,” Mr Hickling said.

“She is the perfect training partner.”

Support the climb.