Confessions of an Air Ambulance Doctor

by Dr Tony Bleetman

Note to customers: This book is also available under the title "You Can't Park There! The Highs and Lows of an Air Ambulance Doctor".

'People get into this work for "the juice", meaning the adrenaline rush, but they don't tell you about the other juices—the mud, blood, snot and grot.'

Confessions of an Air Ambulance Doctor is the first ever behind-the-scenes account of life onboard an air ambulance. The first of its kind to carry doctors and surgeons who can take the hospital to the patient. Drug addicts, lorry crashes, open-heart surgery, stab wounds, headless chickens, mating llamas, and strip routines - it's all in a day's work for emergency doctor Tony Bleetman and his team.

Whether they are landing in the middle of the M1 or at a maximum security jail, Tony and his crew Helimed 999 are the first on the scene in the most critical of emergencies.

This gripping read will make you laugh, cry and marvel at the wonders of life (and death) in equal measure.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical, Medicine, Short Stories, Autobiography, Humor, Memoir

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2012

Reviews

[Damaskcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think you either like ‘slice of life’ books of you don’t. I must admit I enjoy them because they give me an insight into other people’s jobs. I’ve read many books giving an insight into aspects of the medical profession and this is the first one I’ve read about the air ambulance service and I found it fascinating reading. It also made me count my blessings and realise how quickly one’s life can change because of an accident.

Air ambulances by definition attend the most difficult and serious cases so here we read about some horrendous injuries and of course some of the patients didn’t live to tell the tale. Sending doctors out with the air ambulance increases survival rates because they can carry out such procedures as giving anaesthetics which makes it possible for some treatments to be carried out at the scene rather than delayed until the patient reaches hospital.

I really got a good idea of how important team spirit is in such extreme situations and how the whole team – pilots as well as medical staff – needed to work well together. Some of the incidents were truly hair-raising – landing the helicopter on the side of a hill or in the fast lane on the motorway for example. Fortunately both helicopter and staff survived those experiences.

I felt I really got a sense of why the staff do the jobs they do – being able to help people and also getting a huge adrenaline rush from the flying and the traumatic situations they were involved in. Some might say the helping people should come first but I also think enjoying your job makes for a better job done. If you want to know what it’s like being part of an air ambulance team then read this book.

[Zara Pemberton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this for a while, kind of book you can read 1 or 2 chapters in a row. My first impression is where can I donate. My second impression is what a wonderful job they do and thought of a school friends experience when they looked after his baby. Chapter 18, I will never have dark thoughts again. If I do I will remember that chapter. I had to show my husband the chapter and to his credit he read it rather than skim which he normally does! Very good book

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all that well written and the order of content jumps around a little and can be repetitive, but the content was so interesting that those faults were easily overlooked. We need adrenaline junkies like Dr Bleetman!

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and well written book. Some of the stories are so gritty and shocking, it gives me a renewed feeling of respect for those in the medical profession.

[Whitney W Linz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun Read!

It was really interesting to learn how air ambulances work in a different country (I’m from the US). The fact that air ambulances are charities is wild to me (in a good way).

Also, Dr. Bleetman is a great storyteller, so the book is fun for that aspect too :)

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting stories but although the crew spend a lot of time saving lives, they are not really a likeable bunch. I wasn't expecting not to like them and can only give the book 3 stars as some of the writing is a bit close to the bone

[Laura Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed as an easy read over Christmas but probably wouldn't read again in a hurry. I can't even really articulate why. It was okay, it just wasn't brilliant.

[Kate Mountford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read and gives insight into the work of an Air Ambulance doctor.

[Mandy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this,it explained how Tony became involved with Helimed 999,why he wanted to be a doctor and his life previously,it also talked about his family and his personal opinions in situations. It is written in a jokey manner which some people might not like but that was the style of the book and when dealing with horrific situations all the time you would go mad if you didn’t find humour in things. You can feel Tony’s love for his job and him and his colleagues go beyond to save people,he is very clever and knowledgeable. The other people he works with are funny and interesting and there were good but sad stories from his job,also some funny ones.

[✿Claire✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, thrilling and full of anecdotes that ring very true, this is a fascinating insight into the life of a HEMS doctor involved in setting up and manning the first doctor-led air ambulance outside of London. Knowing they're all charities and rely solely on donations makes you appreciate what they do all the more.

[Alistair Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for an easy read at the end of the holiday, including the flight home. This was a book that I have read at least twice before, but given my memory it was nearly all as new to me. Helicopters and doctors, what's not to like?

There are good stories and some humour. However, I would say that it does not have the laugh-out-loud quality of Adam Kay.

[Debs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really do not understand the need for bad language and swearing as is the modern way but that aside was a reasonable account of the life of a particular air ambulance crew. A modicum of humour involved as well but not really worth mentioning!

[Abby Edison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was skeptical of this one at first - the author came across as a bit of a jerk. Still, it quickly got better and proved to be a worthwhile read. It's funny and unique, but not the best medical memoir out there.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, highly enlightening and funny book that delves into the early stages of Dr led air ambulance services. It shows the mistakes as well as the successes clearly whilst keeping the people involved relatable in some ways. A worthwhile read with many giggles.

[Rachel Axford · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book especially as I fundraise for my local air ambulance. I’ve marked it as 3* because it didn’t seem all that professional in places. I’m not sure if the passion for the charity came across that well. I got the impression that the author was writing for dramatic effect.

[Helen Costello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anecdotes from a doctor who volunteers on Helimed 999. Brought back delightful memories of watching endless Helicopter Heroes whilst on mat leave 9 years ago. Some sadness and some humour as you would expect with this type of memoir.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy, read. Shocking, funny and informative.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Just finished reading this. Loved every moment especially the chickens!!

[Liane · Rating 1 out of 5]

complete let down.

[Zoe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Usually a big fan of the 'confessions' series - this was very boring. Too much talk about the helicopters and not enough accounts of patient treating. I had to give up over half way through.

[Chris Lightfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Very fast paced with a good dose of humour. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique insight. Very well written,