The Paramedic Mindset

by Leigh Anderson

Why do some people flourish in high-stress situations, while others feel overwhelmed or discouraged? How do some remain calm under pressure, where others succumb to stress?

The difference is in mindset.

When you have the skills and knowledge to stay in control, regulate your emotions and manage your reactions, even the most difficult circumstances become opportunities to excel, thrive and grow. But this quality - also known as poise - is not innate. It comes from preparation and practice.

In this book, experienced paramedic Leigh
- shares true life-and-death stories from his career
- explores the latest scientific research on mindset, stress and resilience
- reveals his secrets for maintaining poise.

The result is an arsenal of clear, effective and actionable tools that will boost your ability to perform under pressure.

The Paramedic Mindset is essential reading for anyone who wants to face the challenges of life head on.


PRAISE FOR THE PARAMEDIC MINDSET

'The Paramedic Mindset is a must-read book. Through the use of personal experiences, both his own and a range of subject matter experts, Leigh delivers an engaging, evidence-based, and practical book on not only how to survive under pressure, but how to flourish. At a time of skyrocketing mental health issues in our first-responder communities, The Paramedic Mindset offers the tools to turn the tide.' Dr Dan Pronk, co-author of The Resilience Shield, Special Forces veteran and Emergency Doctor

'Leigh Anderson has The. Definitive. Book. On this vital subject. I know of no other book that will provide this degree of lifesaving information to this vital audience. This book is "required reading" for all paramedics, and should be used as a textbook for training all medical first responders.' Lt Col Dave Grossman, USA (ret.), author of On Combat, On Killing, On Spiritual Combat, and Assassination Generation.

'Leigh has set out to describe the often confronting and challenging role of being a front-line emergency health care responder. A combination of apprehension, performance anxiety, satisfaction, and exhilaration! He most ably transcends his unique experiences, providing a bird's eye view of the "job", its challenges and how to cope. I would highly recommend for anyone interested in how to deal with a high-pressure environment.' Dr Stephen Rashford, Specialist Emergency Physician and Queensland Ambulance Service Medical Director

'Leigh pulls the curtains back on one of life's biggest how to keep your mind when you should be losing your moorings. The mindsets and capabilities needed to be a top performer in any field are critical and not widely known - Leigh has bottled some of that magic in this hard-scrabbled account. Brilliant.' Mark Wales, Special Forces veteran, business CEO, author of Survivor and winner of Australian Survivor TV show

Genres: Nonfiction

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Emily Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

“To flourish in life is not to be comfortable or sit in a paradise that doesn’t exist. It’s to thrive in spite of the suffering.”

I think this is a good book to read if you’re someone like me who works a very low-stress job, enjoys being inside their comfort zone, deals with day-to-day anxiety over small things, and doesn’t cope particularly well in stressful situations. This was SO eye-opening to read. It challenged me to improve my mindset and behaviour.

I learned that you should think of stressful situations as a challenge to be overcome, not a threat to escape from.

I also learned that heart rate affects physical and cognitive performance - so working on bringing down your heart rate in stressful situations will help you think clearer.

You can deal with just about any level of stress if you believe the goal for withstanding it is worth it - ie witnessing trauma, death and chaos is worth it if you deeply believe in helping people.

However the scenarios - while confronting and gripping to read at first - quickly became formulaic. Eg, “I was sent to a scary job, I froze and didn’t know what to do, and then I looked into the distance, took a deep breath, and then I knew what to do, all because I have the paramedic mindset.”

I did end up skim reading a little bit towards the end, especially when the author starts talking about leadership etc. Some parts just weren’t that relevant to me. But overall I think this was a really interesting and unique book and definitely was worth the read.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I like the humble wisdom of the author and the practicality of it. Every assertion or theoretical piece of advice given was corroborated with highly specific real-life examples, often from the author's own work experiences, which really helped the lessons sink in. There was something very comforting and empowering about the honesty with which they recounted their own mistakes and vulnerabilities as well as how they've overcome difficult scenarios they've been faced with. I believe it has equipped me with tools I can use in my own life as an office worker and mother, and I'm really glad I read it.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t really for me. Has some great tips but delivered in a very straightforward way often a bit dry or preachy. Would be fascinating for someone without a background in psychology and already knows a lot of these pieces of wisdom. The personal cases the author went through I did find super interesting and some great tools anyone can use. I just happen to be familiar with most of them already

[Adam Bing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heavy, confronting, but important book to read, whether you are an aspiring EMS worker, or interested in improving your ability to perform under pressure.

Great summaries, interviews and personal stories throughout - would recommend pacing yourself with this book, as many years of confronting stories are condensed into such a succinct space. Fantastic writing and vulnerability from Leigh here.

Common themes include Poise (the courage to act, and the strength to withstand suffering along the way), Self-belief (and the confidence to make decisions, stand up for your values, and do the right thing - hold yourself to high standards), and Honest/Vulnerability/Accountability - for your mistakes and shortcomings, so that you can grow.

Being able to use humour, reframe and adapt to embrace sh*tty circumstances, actually enjoying them and seeing them as a blessing to be a part of and overcome, is key too.

Highly recommend for anyone interested in Emergency Services -- once again, a confronting yet necessary view into the life of a Paramedic (the bad, but the good too).

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this as an Audible daily deal, more a target of opportunity than a specific 'want to' read.

Highly recommended for anyone working on the road - certainly in Australia or New Zealand - as an EMT or paramedic.

For the uninitiated it is probably an eye-opener as to the actual lifestyle and challenges of a modern paramedic, not just juggling the needs of the job and patients but also having a family as well.

Has some great learning points, cautionary tales and coping strategies. Initially I didn't think I would get anything from it but actually find myself often referring back to it after complex or challenging jobs.

[Amie Adventures_within_the_pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I enjoyed the first person reflections and inclusion of research into a Paramedics mind and how this impacts all aspects of a first responders life. Highlighting the importance of self awareness, resilience and how overall wellness (physical and mental) can impact performance during high stress situations.

[Tom Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guide that can be utilised by all, especially those in high stress, fast paced environments. Many of the skills listed I will be working to incorporate into my practice. Truly one of the most insightful and knowledgeable reads.

[Bethany Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the concepts good, just found it a bit dry and repetitive of all these ideas and models shown. Think more real life experiences would have engaged readers more.