Beating the challenges faced by first responders

IT’S the second year Wonthaggi firefighters have taken part in The Push Up Challenge for mental health, and this year their fellow emergency responders have joined the challenge. 

Eight days in and first responders have already completed 13,866 push-ups (or alternative exercise) with a total count of 3249 to be completed over the 24 days until June 28. 

Three thousand, two hundred and forty-nine is not a random number, it represents the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022. 

“It was something good to do and promote mental health in firefighters and first responders,” Wonthaggi Fire Brigade 2nd Lieutenant Kevin Else explained.

“First responders repeatedly witness and respond to traumatic events, often 
bottling this up, which takes an emotional and psychological toll. It’s crucial to raise awareness, get the word out there and support appropriate resources available for first responders. This year we are supporting Lifeline Gippsland.

“We have 33 first responders taking part from SES, ambulance, police and firefighters in Bass Coast. Each day there is a different 
target that represents a mental health fact.

“We are hoping to build on the event each year and next year have all local first responders participating.”

Since 2017, The Push-Up challenge has raised over $40 million for mental health.

So far $1030.86 has been raised at time of print.

To donate visit thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraiser/basscoastfirstresponders