Review of Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic by Sally Gould

Gould's memoir of her life as a paramedic is frank, captivating, often revolting, and disarmingly honest. She takes the reader on ride-alongs so vividly described, it's as though we're in the ambulance. She shares her pride in caring for patients, her deep frustrations, and she is open about her mental health struggles.

Sally Gould's memoir is named after a darkly humorous term of affection for paramedics in Australia (frog, because everything a paramedic touches croaks).

Gould grew up in Australia the daughter of a paramedic, and she follows in her father's footsteps, training to become a "frog" herself.

In her memoir, Gould explores her early days of uncertainty, moments of panic, scenes of complete disgust, tragic endings, and inspiring moments in which her team's arrival saves a life.

Gould takes the reader through the ups and downs of the job and is frank about her personal mental health challenges and how she coped with them as related to the difficulties of her career and lifestyle.

This is a satisfyingly deep dive into Gould's behind-the-scenes experiences, including an often breakneck pace, trying emotions, extensive practical knowledge, interpersonal skills, ability to read the room, separation from emotion, and pride in a job capably done.

I received a prepublication audiobook version of this title courtesy of Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Australia.

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This is Sally Gould's first book.

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