Don't Lose Yourself: A First Responder's Mental Health Playbook

by The Salty Paramedic

Journey into the mind of a firefighter/paramedic that has been in public service for 17 years. From witnessing family members actions throughout the job and then becoming a public servant himself, The Salty Paramedic has developed a playbook that has worked for him to navigate this stressful career and balance home and work life to the best of his ability. This book aims to give first responders the tools they need to help maintain good mental health in an extremely tough job.

77 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2025

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a wife to a first responder I wanted to read this to understand what he has been through in not only ems and firefighting but as well as military service. As he considers returning to the field it is important to me that I have more knowledge of what he will continue to experience and carry. This book felt like it was just having an honest conversation about what the life is like. I felt like I could just sit there and want to ask more questions and understand even more. It is having that older brother come home and sit down with all the knowledge and guidance that is helpful.

[Austin Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Salty Paramedic. As a healthcare provider who has seen the best and worst of humanity your words hold a special place in my heart. This read allowed me to cry to feel and heal all in one. Thank you for your insight and transparency in our field. 🙏🏼

[Hannah Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled between 3 and 4 stars.. really wanting to give the book and the author 4, but ultimately finding myself unable to do so - it could be because self help isn’t my genre of choice so please keep reading.

As a first responder and someone who comes toe to toe with her mental health almost daily, I ordered the book on a whim. If one thing I’ve learned rings truer than others, it’s that many “normal” people cannot fathom the way our jobs affect (effect?) us. The Salty Paramedic bridges the gap between first responders of all types and made me felt seen, heard, and understood.

The self-checks throughout the book were appreciated. I’d like to think I am going to carry this book with me in my squad car and take it out after a particularly tough call to try to remind myself of my WHY - or maybe when I ultimately have a call that tops my all time worse.. I’ll add a sticky note to that page. Who knows.

As for why I felt the book fell short: At times, it was not particularly engaging. It took me quite awhile to read, and I honestly got sick of journaling by the end. The self checks did begin to feel like filler pages.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personable and insightful

This was a quick easy read that I knocked out in about an hour of downtime on shift on the ambulance. I was instantly hooked from the beginning of the book because of how personable and relatable the words were. I felt as if I was reading something a friend wrote to me, not a book on my kindle. The personal experiences and details of what a day looks like at the station or even life outside of work made it easy to recognize and relate to my own routine. I was able to easily identify scenarios where I felt similar to what the author was writing about. I also felt seen reading this book. To know what I have felt in this job has been felt by someone else is comforting. I highly recommend this book to all first responders and even their families to get a better understanding of what we deal with and experience on the job and coming off shift. I would love to see more insight from the author in the future on mental health or even stories that we can relate to or laugh with.

[Madison Gilbreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read and applicable to any first responder.

I found this book after looking for days for a text to read regarding the mental health of first responders. I’m in my first year as a first responder and have fallen in love with the career. It was my childhood dream. I just recently had a call that was traumatic for me and hit close to home. It was a suicide. I questioned if I was meant for this field afterwards. This book reassured me that we’re human. We need a good support and to prioritize ourselves. We all have that one call that hits different than the rest. I can’t wait to share this book with the rest of my department.

[Gwen Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible Quick Read

This book made me laugh and cry. It forced me to view my life and career in another light. I think this Playbook is a great start for us first responders to take charge of our mental health.
P.S. do the “homework” at the end of the chapters.

[Mandi Brynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read! For someone that just got onto the department and super into mental health, this book gave me good insight into things to never let happen or not happen. I appreciate a good mental health good especially in my career!

[Angela Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome quick read

Quick read, but it was good. Personal experiences with a bit of humor. I enjoyed the content. Good job. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[Kris Freppon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book

This book was short and sweet. By a first responder for first responders. This book has great content on how to survive the job and live a full happy retirement.

[Rebecca Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick read (when you don’t forget it at home while travelling). Really helped me get my head in the game again

[Bri Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good self check in book for first responders

[Joseph Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing most of us don't know, but seeing it in writing makes you think about it.

[Donielle Lorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every first responder and the people close to them should read this.