PARAMEDIC: ONE WOMAN'S 20 YEARS ON THE FRONT LINE

by Sandy Macken

Experience the exhilaration and danger of emergency trauma, where a few seconds can mean the difference between life and death, but also the raw beauty, vulnerability and remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

We expect our ambos to be superhuman, remaining calm, controlling their emotions and thinking and acting clearly, however, the emotional depth of these stories will reveal a whole other side. Sandy is just like you, only she is at the wheel of an ambulance with life and death in her hands every day. Without shying away from the trauma, she shows the reader just how much a life deeply grounded in love can offer.

Sandy’s unique perspective as paramedic with the NSW Ambulance Service will open your mind, awaken your heart and shine a light in some very dark places.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2018

Reviews

[Bustagroovy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book should be called "A Couple of Interesting Paramedic Anecdotes but Mostly Me Gabbin' about God". Religious people will enjoy it. Everyone else will roll their eyes every second page as they read about people dying and being sent 'home' to become one with the universe. Very misleading title.

[Jill Gooch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I loved this book! I just couldnt read it fast enough! Well written and so interesting. Hope you keep writing!

[howsoonisnow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great step into the shoes of another profession kind of book. Macken's book is a pithy, fast paced, thrilling, adrenaline-filled ride. I felt like a trainee ambo hopping into the back of an ambulance with her, as I follow her to call-outs. She details the most memorable moments of her 20 year career, from the most heart wrenching and emotional, to the most violent and horrifying. Through snippets of dialogue, she provides an intimate view of the larrikin bond she has with her colleagues. She gives blow by blow accounts of her private thoughts, conversations with patients, and detailed descriptions of on-site action, most of which are gory, morbid and or saddening. I enjoyed her private reflections of life, and death, and appreciated her candour about her own job stress induced suicidal ideations. Unfortunately though, the prose was rather stiff, awkward and amateurish, but for the most part, this counteracted by the intimate, fast paced and action-packed content.