• Clinton Ewing shares his journey as a firefighter and paramedic.
• His early life experiences shaped his desire to serve in public safety.
• The impact of 9/11 was a significant motivator for his career choice.
• Teamwork is essential in emergency response situations.
• Early calls as an EMT were challenging and eye-opening.
• The emotional toll of witnessing trauma affects first responders.
• Mental health support is crucial for those in emergency services.
• Experiences with victims can lead to long-lasting emotional impacts.
• Coping mechanisms are necessary for managing stress and trauma.
• Clinton emphasizes the importance of family support in his journey. The emotional toll of first responding is significant and often unrecognized.
• Many first responders feel a sense of guilt and failure when they cannot save lives.
• Mental health challenges are prevalent among first responders, yet support systems are often lacking.
• Seeking help is crucial, but stigma can prevent individuals from doing so.
• Healing is a journey that requires awareness, effort, and the right support.
• Connection with others who understand your struggles can be therapeutic.
• Finding purpose in life after trauma is essential for recovery.
• It's important to be patient with oneself during the healing process.
• Sharing your story can help others and foster a sense of community.
• Every individual's healing journey is unique and may involve various modalities.

• From Firefighter to Advocate: Clinton Ewing's Story
• The Untold Struggles of a First Responder

• "I will try to avoid it."
• "You're to do your best."
• "I felt worthless."

summaryIn this episode, Bart Heaney interviews Clinton Ewing, a retired firefighter paramedic, who shares his profound journey through the challenges of emergency services, the impact of trauma, and the importance of mental health support. Clinton reflects on his early influences, the defining moment of 9/11 that propelled him into public safety, and the emotional toll of witnessing trauma in the line of duty. He emphasizes the significance of teamwork, the struggles of balancing work and family life, and the coping mechanisms that have helped him navigate his experiences. This conversation sheds light on the realities of being a first responder and the resilience required to serve in such a demanding field. In this conversation, Clinton Ewing shares his profound journey as a first responder grappling with the emotional and psychological toll of his experiences. He discusses the weight of responsibility, the impact of traumatic calls, and the struggle for mental health support within the first responder community. Clinton opens up about his battles with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, detailing the challenges he faced in seeking help and the stigma surrounding mental health in his profession. He emphasizes the importance of connection, vulnerability, and finding purpose in healing, ultimately inspiring others to seek help and share their stories.