Austin Pederson & Brad Shepherd
Austin Pederson & Brad Shepherd
Chris Fields | Former Firefighter and Current Member of Trauma Behind the Badge
Chris Fields | Former Firefighter and Current Member of Trauma Behind the Badge
Chris Fields | Former Firefighter and Current Member of Trauma Behind the Badge
Friday 16th June 2023
Chris Fields shares his journey from firefighter to mental health advocate, discussing trauma, resilience, and supporting first responders.
Explicit
55 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Hopeful
Supportive
Transformative
About this podcast
Author:
Austin Pederson & Brad Shepherd
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing Relationships
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
116 (View all)
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!Chris Fields: From Firefighter to Mental Health Advocate
Episode Overview
- Chris Fields shares his upbringing and passion for firefighting
- Discusses the impact of the iconic Oklahoma City Bombing photo on his life
- Opens up about the challenges he faced, including cumulative trauma and mental health struggles
- Emphasises the importance of seeking help and the support from fellow first responders
- Highlights the establishment of the Survive First Foundation and the importance of mental health advocacy for first responders
As long as you're doing your best, your best to be here one day, it'll be here one day.
What happens when a moment captured in a photograph changes your life forever? In this episode of 'No One Fights Alone', hosts Austin Pederson and Brad Shepherd sit down with Chris Fields, a former major in the Oklahoma City Fire Department, to explore his remarkable journey. Chris opens up about his 31-year career, the day that defined it, and the emotional toll it took on him and his family.
Known for the iconic photo of him cradling a child during the Oklahoma City Bombing, Chris shares how that day in 1995 impacted his mental health and led him to suffer in silence for years. Chris recounts his early passion for firefighting, the highs and lows of his career, and the moment that brought him national attention. He doesn’t shy away from discussing the cumulative trauma and mental health struggles that followed.
The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Chris talks about seeking help, breaking the stigma around mental health in first responders, and the crucial support he received from his peers. Now, Chris is dedicating his life to helping others through the Trauma Behind the Badge team. He discusses the importance of mental health support and the establishment of the Survive First Foundation, which aims to provide resources and support for first responders dealing with similar issues.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the hidden battles faced by those who serve and protect, and the importance of reaching out for help. Tune in to hear Chris Fields' story of resilience, vulnerability, and his mission to support mental health among first responders.