Our sincere condolences to the family and close friends of the volunteer killed when a tree fell on the CFA fire truck while battling the fires at Coles in SA on January 21. Another firefighter was seriously injured in the same incident and is receiving treatment. The community, and in particular the crew, will be devastated by the loss.
These incidents highlight the risks that emergency service volunteers sign up for when they join these community organisations. They run towards the danger to protect the community in which they live.
Such incidents can bring to the fore the vulnerabilities in ourselves. Each of us deals with them in our own way – by sharing, by reflecting, through expressing emotion. We may or may not handle it well. We may appear to others to be OK, but underneath we want to be helped, but do not know how or who to ask.
This is why it OK to reach in and actively ask RUOK? Not everyone will reach out for help.
Volunteers, please remember to look after yourself and peers and know that help and support is available through organisations such as:
Lifeline
13 1114
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
Mental Health Line
1800 011 511