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What Could Possibly Go Wrong?: The Highs and Lows of an Air Ambulance Doctor
'During open-chest resuscitations, I've held a non-beating, recently stilled human heart in my hands. And, should you ever get to hold one, you will find the human heart to be rubbery and shockingly light.'
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? is a report from the front line of emergency medicine, the first ever account of what it is like to work as an air ambulance doctor. Whether describing cutting through a patient's breastbone to plug a stab wound or barrel rolling a light aircraft at 5,000 feet, Tony Bleetman captures the sheer adrenaline of racing through the sky to save lives. You will learn how to land a helicopter on the side of a mountain, what it means to encounter death every day, and how to perform a tracheotomy in real life (clue: it doesn’t involve a ball-point pen).
Funny, shocking and moving, What Could Possibly Go Wrong? is a glimpse at a world where the wrong decision can mean the difference between life and death.
Originally published as You Can't Park There: The Highs and Lows of an Air Ambulance Doctor.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 4, 2020
Read for Eurovisionathon!
Country: UK
This is a medical memoir that I borrowed from my local library just before the start of the lockdown. We follow Tony Bleetman, who becomes a doctor on Helimed 999 and travelling mainly on air ambulances (helicopters) to scenes of nasty accidents, seriously unwell patients or big events to help patrol. There were some both funny and heartbreaking moments throughout. I liked learning more about the emergency services that my home country has and from someone who has basically seen it all. Really recommend!
Country: UK
This is a medical memoir that I borrowed from my local library just before the start of the lockdown. We follow Tony Bleetman, who becomes a doctor on Helimed 999 and travelling mainly on air ambulances (helicopters) to scenes of nasty accidents, seriously unwell patients or big events to help patrol. There were some both funny and heartbreaking moments throughout. I liked learning more about the emergency services that my home country has and from someone who has basically seen it all. Really recommend!
November 27, 2019
Trigger warning: Suicide, gory detail, and death.
This definitely wasn't the best memoir I've read. Overall it was entertaining and heartbreaking but I did have a few problems with it. Firstly, chapter 16: " A young black man was on the floor." Why was it necessary to point out that he was black? Skin colour wasn't mentioned for any other patient in the book. Secondly, chapter 18. The whole two pages of the book were in my opinion completely unnecessary. Describing "How to kill yourself without dying." Major trigger warning in my opinion. Also in chapter 18, he talks about how young people who attempt suicide don't actually want to die and it's just a call for help and that older people actually want to die. From experience this is definitely not the case, it works both ways. Lastly in chapter 19 when talking about child murderers the murderer was referred to as 'he' when a specific event wasn't being talked about. I may be over thinking the last point but I just think he should have used 'they' instead of assuming a child murderer was male when that also works both ways.
This definitely wasn't the best memoir I've read. Overall it was entertaining and heartbreaking but I did have a few problems with it. Firstly, chapter 16: " A young black man was on the floor." Why was it necessary to point out that he was black? Skin colour wasn't mentioned for any other patient in the book. Secondly, chapter 18. The whole two pages of the book were in my opinion completely unnecessary. Describing "How to kill yourself without dying." Major trigger warning in my opinion. Also in chapter 18, he talks about how young people who attempt suicide don't actually want to die and it's just a call for help and that older people actually want to die. From experience this is definitely not the case, it works both ways. Lastly in chapter 19 when talking about child murderers the murderer was referred to as 'he' when a specific event wasn't being talked about. I may be over thinking the last point but I just think he should have used 'they' instead of assuming a child murderer was male when that also works both ways.
April 10, 2025
This is truly the worst book I’ve read in a while.
Through the author’s egotistical thoughts, we follow a newly formed air ambulance team consisting of a doctor (the author), a paramedic and a pilot on any given shift. There are many stories throughout describing situations of providing life saving care and this is the only positive in the whole book.
I struggled to read this due to the author being unapologetically and unnecessarily homophobic, sexist, ageist and at a couple of points, potentially racist. When the author disclosed he was not successful in the army due to his cockiness, I completely agreed and thought he wouldn’t have got much farther with age to be honest.
The book was essentially a diary of a teenage boy; constantly discussing “chatting up” female colleagues/bystanders and messing about at completely inappropriate times. As a health care provider myself, I know the difference between needing to be serious and boosting morale.
Unfortunately, I think this author has been told too many times how brilliant and funny he is. He repeatedly made unfounded comments such as anaesthetists didn’t know how to intubate someone in an emergency - what on earth do you think they have to do in intensive care or the emergency department on a daily basis? The constant belittling of anyone else other than those on his team was draining.
There are many other problems with this book and this author to be frank, and I just couldn’t stop thinking “god this guy is a wanker” the entire time I was reading.
I would highly NOT recommend.
Through the author’s egotistical thoughts, we follow a newly formed air ambulance team consisting of a doctor (the author), a paramedic and a pilot on any given shift. There are many stories throughout describing situations of providing life saving care and this is the only positive in the whole book.
I struggled to read this due to the author being unapologetically and unnecessarily homophobic, sexist, ageist and at a couple of points, potentially racist. When the author disclosed he was not successful in the army due to his cockiness, I completely agreed and thought he wouldn’t have got much farther with age to be honest.
The book was essentially a diary of a teenage boy; constantly discussing “chatting up” female colleagues/bystanders and messing about at completely inappropriate times. As a health care provider myself, I know the difference between needing to be serious and boosting morale.
Unfortunately, I think this author has been told too many times how brilliant and funny he is. He repeatedly made unfounded comments such as anaesthetists didn’t know how to intubate someone in an emergency - what on earth do you think they have to do in intensive care or the emergency department on a daily basis? The constant belittling of anyone else other than those on his team was draining.
There are many other problems with this book and this author to be frank, and I just couldn’t stop thinking “god this guy is a wanker” the entire time I was reading.
I would highly NOT recommend.
April 13, 2020
This was an OK read but Bleetman definitely comes across as racist, sexist and superior. The only time race was mentioned was for a “young black man” who was on drugs in his flat. Race wasn’t mentioned for any other case whether drug related or not. The only person not given a name was “the lesbian” on the team and one woman was referred to as “the bitch” the whole way through - in a “jokey” “ha ha she was lovely really” kind of way. But it just felt a bit unnecessary.
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August 6, 2023I enjoyed learning more about the operation of air ambulances and the kinds of situations they are called to, but I can't believe a book was published in 2012 in which a valued member of the team is referred to throughout as 'The Bitch'. This was really disappointing and made it hard for me to perceive the author as the caring doctor he wishes to be seen as.
October 28, 2024
A well written and easy to read insight to the daily life of an emergency care doctor serving in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).
Bleetman strikes a perfect balance between the light heartedness and camaraderie found in all emergency services whilst also highlighting the importance and gravity of the life saving work the HEMS team perform.
Bleetman strikes a perfect balance between the light heartedness and camaraderie found in all emergency services whilst also highlighting the importance and gravity of the life saving work the HEMS team perform.
November 4, 2025
A good insight into both the formation of 'Doctor lead' Air Ambulance/HEMS units, and the role of the Doctors on board. A great read for anyone interested in: medicine, aviation, or, like the author, both.
February 6, 2020
Even though this is my fourth medical based non-fiction book this year, I was not disappointed.
'What could possibly go wrong' has a wonderful mix of both serious and funny stories from one of the countries air ambulance services.
The book brings to life some of the many challenges faced by a well oiled team, and will make you laugh, maybe cry but most certainly surprise you, most notably in relation to how some people react to the arrival of an air ambulance.
This was well written and I found myself wanting to keep retuning to the book to find out what I was going to learn next. The honesty from the author really did shine through on the page and I am delighted to have had read this.
If you like medical non-fiction stories or just want to learn about how air ambulance set ups come into being and some of the challenges presented by these life saving teams - then read this book!
'What could possibly go wrong' has a wonderful mix of both serious and funny stories from one of the countries air ambulance services.
The book brings to life some of the many challenges faced by a well oiled team, and will make you laugh, maybe cry but most certainly surprise you, most notably in relation to how some people react to the arrival of an air ambulance.
This was well written and I found myself wanting to keep retuning to the book to find out what I was going to learn next. The honesty from the author really did shine through on the page and I am delighted to have had read this.
If you like medical non-fiction stories or just want to learn about how air ambulance set ups come into being and some of the challenges presented by these life saving teams - then read this book!
June 13, 2020
I have been enjoying medical based non-fiction recently and this no exception. It was a very fascinating look into the workings of the UK air ambulance as both an emergency service but also a charity.
It shows how much of themselves the doctors, paramedics and pilots give of themselves for no reason other than the will to help others.
It shows how much of themselves the doctors, paramedics and pilots give of themselves for no reason other than the will to help others.
August 31, 2020
Bleetman is politically incorrect and at times highly problematic, but when it comes down to the action, he tells some brilliant tales about life as a HEMS doctor.
April 1, 2021
Very arrogant person. I can see through his writing why the Israeli Air Force dropped him! He belittles any role that isn't his own. Genuinely frustrating to read, don't even bother.
June 7, 2020
It feels like 2 people wrote this book
One is a bit of an arrogant dick, who talks very disparagingly of paramedics (stretcher bearers) and junior doctors (with their "how to do medicine" book in their pockets). There's an air of "thank god I'm here" from the first chapter where he kindly lets two paramedics know that a guy they are working on is dead - otherwise they'd probably still be there now doing CPR if he hadn't flown in to impart his knowledge. He also seems to inhabit one of those old boy cop dramas of the 1970s where men are men (they read Loaded and watch Top Gear) and women - well, just the one in this instance - are called "the bitch". You know, rather than their actual name.
The other guy is the ghost writer/editor who wants you to read this book in a tone more becoming of a member of the emergency services whose primary role is to save your life. A calm, soothing voice relating compassionately about the terrible injuries your average Joe experiences and how having a helicopter filled with doctors swooping in can help out.
The two voices clash rather hard and it's a bizarre read from start to finish.
If you like your real life medical books to carry that professional, caring, altruistic tone (like Adam Kay, Andy Thompson, or Dr Richard Shepherd) then this book may not be for you. However if you don't mind that the guy coming to anaesthetise you and possibly cut holes in your sides to allow your collapsed lungs to reinflate might just be a bit of a gung-ho dick with a reputation for being a cowboy (that's is pretty obviously pleased with), then tuck in.
One is a bit of an arrogant dick, who talks very disparagingly of paramedics (stretcher bearers) and junior doctors (with their "how to do medicine" book in their pockets). There's an air of "thank god I'm here" from the first chapter where he kindly lets two paramedics know that a guy they are working on is dead - otherwise they'd probably still be there now doing CPR if he hadn't flown in to impart his knowledge. He also seems to inhabit one of those old boy cop dramas of the 1970s where men are men (they read Loaded and watch Top Gear) and women - well, just the one in this instance - are called "the bitch". You know, rather than their actual name.
The other guy is the ghost writer/editor who wants you to read this book in a tone more becoming of a member of the emergency services whose primary role is to save your life. A calm, soothing voice relating compassionately about the terrible injuries your average Joe experiences and how having a helicopter filled with doctors swooping in can help out.
The two voices clash rather hard and it's a bizarre read from start to finish.
If you like your real life medical books to carry that professional, caring, altruistic tone (like Adam Kay, Andy Thompson, or Dr Richard Shepherd) then this book may not be for you. However if you don't mind that the guy coming to anaesthetise you and possibly cut holes in your sides to allow your collapsed lungs to reinflate might just be a bit of a gung-ho dick with a reputation for being a cowboy (that's is pretty obviously pleased with), then tuck in.
October 21, 2023
I found this book a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the insight is genuinely original and the book is sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. The stories are really charming, funny and insightful and it is genuinely fascinating to see behind the curtain in the air ambulance.
However, perhaps it's just me, but Dr Tony Bleetman comes across as horribly unlikeable! Many of the stories and tone of writing of the book sound like something from a 2008 FHM magazine. There stories are focused on his experience rather than the patient's experience. For instance, two whole pages are dedicated to his (ex-)wife's (fantastic) cooking. Many paragraphs are dedicated to the experience of flying and being in a helicopter. Remarkably few words are dedicated towards patient follow, the technical application of medicine or any more philosophical pondering on the nature of being an air ambulance doctor or a patient with serious injuries. The tone of the writing could perhaps be summarised with the expression "One of the Lads".
I would, just about, recommend this book. It's fairly short and easy reading. However, for more reflective, nuanced and patient-centric medical literature, consider authors such as David Nott and Henry Marsh.
However, perhaps it's just me, but Dr Tony Bleetman comes across as horribly unlikeable! Many of the stories and tone of writing of the book sound like something from a 2008 FHM magazine. There stories are focused on his experience rather than the patient's experience. For instance, two whole pages are dedicated to his (ex-)wife's (fantastic) cooking. Many paragraphs are dedicated to the experience of flying and being in a helicopter. Remarkably few words are dedicated towards patient follow, the technical application of medicine or any more philosophical pondering on the nature of being an air ambulance doctor or a patient with serious injuries. The tone of the writing could perhaps be summarised with the expression "One of the Lads".
I would, just about, recommend this book. It's fairly short and easy reading. However, for more reflective, nuanced and patient-centric medical literature, consider authors such as David Nott and Henry Marsh.
January 19, 2020
I flew (heh) through this book and really enjoyed it. As someone interested in both aviation and medicine, I found the perfect mix of both.
Bleetman's writing style is unique and down to earth, rather reminiscent of him telling the story to you at the local pub. He provides vivid and detailed descriptions of various situations he was involved in, often keeping you on the edge of your seat. The portrayal of the various characters he encounters through his work are often very funny but also create a very good mental image, allowing you to almost visualise them.
Some of the descriptions are not entirely PC (see: telling story in the pub style) which I don't have a problem with, however looking at some other reviews it seems that a few people do so it is worth a mention.
Certainly one of the best books in this genre.
Bleetman's writing style is unique and down to earth, rather reminiscent of him telling the story to you at the local pub. He provides vivid and detailed descriptions of various situations he was involved in, often keeping you on the edge of your seat. The portrayal of the various characters he encounters through his work are often very funny but also create a very good mental image, allowing you to almost visualise them.
Some of the descriptions are not entirely PC (see: telling story in the pub style) which I don't have a problem with, however looking at some other reviews it seems that a few people do so it is worth a mention.
Certainly one of the best books in this genre.
December 21, 2020
'During open chest resuscitations, I've held a non beating, recently stilled human heart in my hands. And, should you ever get to hold one, you will find the human heart to be rubbery and shockingly light.'
So begins the Prologue to what I thought was a very interesting, brutally honest, sometimes very funny account of what it's like to be a top doctor on the air ambulance.
One thing I couldn't fathom out was that he mentioned in one call he attended was to a 'black man.' I don't know why Bleetman had to suggest that the casualty was black, when he hadn't once mentioned his other patient's skin colours. It was up to myself as the reader to assume that his patients were just white and not black or Asian etc.
What connects Tony Bleetman to the Krays? His father was their optician, and they actually owed his father money for their glasses when they were arrested in 1968.
So begins the Prologue to what I thought was a very interesting, brutally honest, sometimes very funny account of what it's like to be a top doctor on the air ambulance.
One thing I couldn't fathom out was that he mentioned in one call he attended was to a 'black man.' I don't know why Bleetman had to suggest that the casualty was black, when he hadn't once mentioned his other patient's skin colours. It was up to myself as the reader to assume that his patients were just white and not black or Asian etc.
What connects Tony Bleetman to the Krays? His father was their optician, and they actually owed his father money for their glasses when they were arrested in 1968.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2021
Medical memoir from a air ambulance doctor. This was an enjoyable book with highs and lows, funny sad.
Compared with other medical memoirs this has more biography elements than patient stories. Also details lots about technical helicopter stuff.
I also wonder why the author felt the need to repeat things - we know that porky is the pilot etc!! Also repeats that paramedic can’t anaesthetise so patient must have been unconscious before intubation - yes readers aren’t stupid and remember what already been mentioned!
Lastly did you know air ambulance is a charity (yes) ...taking away the politics of this, the author has found a way to mention this in pretty much every single chapter, wonder if any of he book earning will go to support it!
Overall a decent read which kept me interested, but there are better medical memoirs available
Compared with other medical memoirs this has more biography elements than patient stories. Also details lots about technical helicopter stuff.
I also wonder why the author felt the need to repeat things - we know that porky is the pilot etc!! Also repeats that paramedic can’t anaesthetise so patient must have been unconscious before intubation - yes readers aren’t stupid and remember what already been mentioned!
Lastly did you know air ambulance is a charity (yes) ...taking away the politics of this, the author has found a way to mention this in pretty much every single chapter, wonder if any of he book earning will go to support it!
Overall a decent read which kept me interested, but there are better medical memoirs available
August 18, 2024
This could have been a great book - the content was fascinating but sadly someone had told the author too many times that they were wonderful and entertaining…..the result being a sort of Carry On Air Ambulance with the main character coming across as a self-satisfied arse. Too many “they didn’t like it but we showed them” incidents and criticising other professionals. Very clunky in its style and some anecdotes ended so abruptly I wondered if I’d turned over two pages by mistake! I am a huge admirer of the Air Ambulance services around the country but this is really a book to enable Dr Bleetman to massage his ego. His response to blatant bullying/unacceptable behaviour by “Derek” is very dated and disappointing. It’s still worth reading to see the amazing work the crews do - you just need to try and ignore the smug tone of the author.
July 31, 2020
✰3.5✰
i love a medical memoir, i enjoy pretty much any medical memoir no matter what exactly the subject.
i did enjoy this book, i did enjoy hearing about the different experiences the other and his colleagues had faced. i enjoyed the range of different jobs we learnt about. i loved the level of detail some jobs were discussed in. on the whole i enjoyed this medical memoir!
although i didn’t appreciate some of the jokes in the book and some of the nicknames. i thought some of them were rude. i see the need for humour in such a constantly tough job though and i do also appreciate the honesty with it being shown in the book.
i love a medical memoir, i enjoy pretty much any medical memoir no matter what exactly the subject.
i did enjoy this book, i did enjoy hearing about the different experiences the other and his colleagues had faced. i enjoyed the range of different jobs we learnt about. i loved the level of detail some jobs were discussed in. on the whole i enjoyed this medical memoir!
although i didn’t appreciate some of the jokes in the book and some of the nicknames. i thought some of them were rude. i see the need for humour in such a constantly tough job though and i do also appreciate the honesty with it being shown in the book.
July 23, 2023
A really good read
This book is well written and you end up feeling as though you were a part of it by watching from the sidelines. It's informative and to the point and gives the reader a very good idea of what a HEMS crew do for everyone they attend and the camaraderie between themselves. I can't believe that the Government don't fund part, if not all of this service. To run these units on donations is amazing.
This book is well written and you end up feeling as though you were a part of it by watching from the sidelines. It's informative and to the point and gives the reader a very good idea of what a HEMS crew do for everyone they attend and the camaraderie between themselves. I can't believe that the Government don't fund part, if not all of this service. To run these units on donations is amazing.
February 14, 2020
Irresistible to me as I am lead volunteer in our local Air Ambulance home store, we all work very hard to raise money for this amazing service and we are proud to do so. This book has the right mix of medical drama, humour, humanity and bravery to make it one of those you can't put down. I didn't, read it in one sitting and it will be read again and again I'm sure.
August 3, 2024
I felt taken aback at times with the writers' use of language and as a result couldn't 100% enjoy the read. However I enjoyed the depictions of the writer's experiences. Sometimes use of language and the implied opinion was a little 'old school' I think. Definitely not my favourite memoir from a medical professional.
October 22, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! It was the perfect blend of medical info with real life events. It had humour to it and I especially enjoyed reading about the chickens and the prison events. Would like to look into this authors other books.
November 24, 2019
Good, but not spectacular. Some nice gentle humour to offset the intensity of jobs. I had a problem with calling one person Bitch. It jarred because the character had no voice, no comeback to the insult. Otherwise very readable.
August 27, 2022
very disappointed with this book, almost a complete waste of money, it has a few interesting parts to it but its more of an Autobiography of the author ( does he love himself or not was my first reaction!), full of tedious details about the day to day operation of the Air Ambulance and his life which may be interesting to a few but as general read not very good at all and quite boring. The author is doubtless a talented person but with an ego to match, interesting perhaps if you know him personally but if not it is quite boring and tedious , this is just not worth buying in my view, a pity really
January 22, 2023
Me trying to finish this book has been a running joke in my household - but I did it finally! Was it worth it? No...
First half was a drag, second half only mildly redeemed itself with a few interesting stories. Would not recommend.
First half was a drag, second half only mildly redeemed itself with a few interesting stories. Would not recommend.
July 21, 2025
DNF - Boring
Unfortunately, this didn't live up to the hopes I had. If you are really interested in aviation, then you'll love this book. If you're looking for a book filled with the actual medical care, look elsewhere.
Unfortunately, this didn't live up to the hopes I had. If you are really interested in aviation, then you'll love this book. If you're looking for a book filled with the actual medical care, look elsewhere.
August 19, 2020
This book certainly makes you open your eyes.
Great read.
Great read.
June 4, 2021
Enjoyable read. Slightly cocky in tone but interesting nevertheless.
November 1, 2021
Great book, highly entertaining
December 11, 2021
Really enjoyed this book, gives you a good insight to what goes on and the problems faced for the air crew
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews