Carrying the Weight: A First Responder’s Journey Through PTSD – Chris Fields
Former firefighter Chris Fields became the face of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing when a photo of him carrying a dying infant from the rubble was seen around the world. But behind that iconic image was a man carrying the weight of years of unprocessed trauma.
In this powerful episode of Uncomfy, Chris opens up about what it was really like to serve as a first responder for over 30 years—from his first harrowing call to the mass casualty event that nearly broke him. He shares the long, painful journey through PTSD, addiction, and ultimately, healing, with Chris now working to help other first responders navigate their own trauma before it's too late.
Resources mentioned:
Trauma Behind the Badge - https://www.traumabehindthebadge.us/
Survive First - https://www.survivefirst.us/
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) - Call or text 988
Share your thoughts - uncomfy@byu.edu
Subscribe to Uncomfy for more conversations that challenge us to grow.
Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/07/carrying-weight-first-responders.html
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Meet Chris Fields: A Firefighter's Journey
04:59 The 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing
06:34 The Iconic Photo
08:52 The Long Road to Healing: PTSD and Seeking Help
12:19 Finding Purpose: Helping Others Through Trauma
17:16 Oklahoma First Responders Wellness Division
19:06 Resources and Final Thoughts
In this powerful episode of Uncomfy, Chris opens up about what it was really like to serve as a first responder for over 30 years—from his first harrowing call to the mass casualty event that nearly broke him. He shares the long, painful journey through PTSD, addiction, and ultimately, healing, with Chris now working to help other first responders navigate their own trauma before it's too late.
Resources mentioned:
Trauma Behind the Badge - https://www.traumabehindthebadge.us/
Survive First - https://www.survivefirst.us/
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) - Call or text 988
Share your thoughts - uncomfy@byu.edu
Subscribe to Uncomfy for more conversations that challenge us to grow.
Episode transcript - https://uncomfypodcastbyu.blogspot.com/2025/07/carrying-weight-first-responders.html
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Meet Chris Fields: A Firefighter's Journey
04:59 The 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing
06:34 The Iconic Photo
08:52 The Long Road to Healing: PTSD and Seeking Help
12:19 Finding Purpose: Helping Others Through Trauma
17:16 Oklahoma First Responders Wellness Division
19:06 Resources and Final Thoughts
Activity