Ex-Essex firefighter says his work trauma left him with PTSD

“When I told (my family) some of the jobs I was going to, they were shocked,” Lewis said.

“If you really see what we’re doing, it’s terrible, honestly, it’s terrible.

“You understand you’re exposed to these things, but the public doesn’t know how serious it can be. It really messes 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.

Two years ago he tried to commit suicide.

“I could have been one of the statistics,” said Lewis, in his 30s.

“I’m still so young and yet I’ve been through so much. I’ve become the person that no one wants to be around.”