Ex-fireman says trauma of job left him with PTSD

Lewis was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder due to his firefighting work

A former firefighter said he left the service after "horrendous" incidents left him traumatised.

Lewis, whose surname has been left out to protect his identity, resigned from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service (ECFRS) in 2021, having seen "the worst kind of fatalities" on what he said was a regular basis.

He shared his story with the BBC after it revealed 85 employees had been signed off by ECFRS due to mental health issues over the past year.

A spokeswoman for ECFRS said it took the mental health of employees "very seriously".

Warning: This article features themes of suicide

Lewis said the public did not understand the variety of incidents crews attended, including suicides and fatal car crashes.

Firefighters can be called to assist the ambulance service

"When I was telling [my family] some of the jobs I was going to, they were shocked," Lewis said.

"When you actually see what we do it's horrendous, honestly, it's horrendous.

"You understand you will be exposed to these things but the public don't know how severe it can be. It really does mess you up mentally."

Lewis, who lives in Clacton-on-Sea, said he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of his work.

He attempted to take his own life two years ago.

"I could have been one of the statistics," said Lewis, who is in his thirties.

"I'm so young still, and yet I have been through so much. I became this person that no one wants to be around."

'Mental health epidemic'

Lewis said when he spoke about his struggles to colleagues, he found they were also battling demons in secret.

He added: "You don't want to feel you're affected by these jobs when you see everyone else not being affected.

"But I didn't realise people were affected a lot more than I thought, they just didn't show it."

Riccardo la Torre said firefighters were taking their own lives "far too often"

A Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC found 85 people at ECFRS were signed off for mental health reasons in the year to September.

Riccardo la Torre, a national officer at the Fire Brigades Union, said the service was battling a "mental health epidemic" among staff.

"We are, far too often, seeing firefighters take their own lives - and sometimes even in the workplace," he said.

"That is clearly, completely unacceptable and something we need to address."

'Growing recognition'

A spokeswoman for the fire service said it was committed to creating a "culture of acceptance" where staff felt free to talk about their mental health without stigma.

She said "significant strides" had been made in promoting mental health awareness, including access to counselling services and providing mental health first aiders.

"The increase in the number of staff signed off due to mental health issues reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace, particularly in high pressure roles," she added.

If you have been affected by the contents of this story, support is available via BBC Action Line.