Code 3 Podcast: A female firefighter’s struggle with PTSD

Christy Warren shares why she left the fire service and now works at a trauma retreat for first responders

Firefighters are well aware of the pain of PTSD. They’re also often familiar with the stigma that comes with it. We’ve talked about these topics on the Code 3 Podcast in the past, but in this episode, we’re looking at the issue from the perspective of a female firefighter.

PTSD has been seen as a sign of weakness, and, to some degree, it still is, unfortunately. The judgment can even come from firefighters who are experiencing PTSD themselves.

Christy Warren is a retired Captain from the Berkeley (California) Fire Department. She has 25 years of service as a paramedic, with 17 years as a firefighter. She was diagnosed with PTSD in May 2014 and even considered suicide.

Warren ultimately left the fire service and now serves as a peer at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat. Warren shares her story.

About the author

Code 3 is hosted by award-winning journalist Scott Orr, who has covered the fire/EMS/police beat for most of his 30-plus year career in news. He's worked around the country in both TV and print. Orr was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease over a decade ago, but that doesn't stop him from interviewing fire service leaders on issues that concern firefighters around the nation.

Code 3 is available for download on iTunes, Google Podcasts and at the Code 3 website. Find it on Twitter and Facebook.