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By Angie Rolheiser
A snowmobile trek across northern Saskatchewan next week will focus on raising awareness of the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Erik Foster of Colonsay and his 15-year-old son, Kaine, will set out Monday on their Ride to Survive: Know the symptoms of PTSD.
The two will leave from their home in Colonsay and head to Saskatoon before moving on to Prince Albert and the northeast.
“On this ride we will stop at various fire halls and just talk with not only the volunteer firefighters but also their families,” Foster said. “If the families know the symptoms of PTSD, they are more likely able to get help because they know what the symptoms are and they know the signs.”
The volunteer firefighter of over 10 years was diagnosed with PTSD two years ago. Foster responded to a call in his community that kept him awake for several days but then things went back to normal.
“Five years later, I went to another call that resulted in my sleep, for over a year being only two hours a day,” Foster said.
A critical incident stress management (CISM) team was put together for Foster to begin the process of therapy and counseling to learn and control his symptoms when they happen.
On the ride to survive, Foster will be putting his efforts into speaking with volunteer responders who are at a high risk of seeing some traumatic incidents but he did add that it does go beyond those individuals.
“People that may drive by accident scenes could be dealing with this, or people who have childhood trauma have a higher risk factor,” Foster said.
After Saskatoon, the two will head to Prince Albert, White Swan, Nipawin, Tisdale, Humboldt and then back to Colonsay. Along the way to those major communities there will be stops in between that include 18 different fire halls.
Foster encourages those wanting to follow along on his journey to keep an eye on his Facebook page for updates. He also intends to join the Life360 app that will track his location in real time.
It is a long journey to take on snowmobiles but Foster said it will make it easier in a sense.
“When we are on our snowmobiles sometimes it just takes away all of the problems because you are just riding and one with nature,” Foster said.
Since PTSD has effects on not only the individual experiencing it but also on loved ones, Foster said bringing his son along is a great addition to the journey.
“For my son, this is a good time for us to bond again and for him to know that dad is back and dad is not just in his room and garage alone anymore,” Foster said.
For some parts of the ride, there will be additional riders who have expressed their support for Foster in his attempt to raise awareness of the PTSD signs and symptoms.
Foster will be travelling on a custom built snowmobile by 306 Riders Union.
The biggest goal in mind for Foster is to attempt to end the stigma that comes with PTSD.
“We want to spread the word of hope. Yes, it can get dark but it can also get light again,” he said.
