Reviewed by Jen Oliver-Rigsby for Reader Views (5/2021)
“More Confessions of a Trauma Junkie” is a collection of stories from real EMS, ER, paramilitary and firefighter responders telling their sides of dealing with traumatic cases. The stories range from veterinary to medical to behavioral health trauma. Each story discusses how the responder reacted to the trauma and sometimes a background to why they reacted the way that they did. Some readers who have never dealt with similar traumatic events may not understand how or why the responder reacted the way that they did…usually with humor, and might be offended by some of the stories.
As a former crisis worker, this reader can definitely identify with some of the stories and has used humor in order to cope with the ordeal. The story about the Captain will be one of those stories that will stick in my head for a while. The amount of respect that the responder used in “handling” this behavioral health patient was remarkable and appreciated by this reader. It was also a great learning experience for the two other responders. Dealing with behavioral health crises isn’t always an easy thing to do and this responder was spot on.
Almost everyone can relate to at least one story out of the several, even if it’s relating to Jones’ personal struggle when she had to put down her beloved 4 legged child. Especially since it was during such a difficult time in her life. Jones is honest when giving her stories and warns readers ahead of time that some of the stories might hit a cord that some readers might not be aware of. Jones shows the compassion that she has had for others over the several years that she has had in different traumatic careers.
Each story has value and anyone in the emergency field should pick up a copy and see how their own traumatic stories fit in. Compare how they handled it with others who have gone through similar situations. And understand that sometimes you need to find humor in life in order to deal with the ugliness of life. Finding humor in the worst-case scenario isn’t always a bad thing.
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More Confessions of a Trauma Junkie: My Life as a Nurse Paramedic 2nd Edition
Sherry Lynn Jones
Modern History Press (2021)
ISBN 978-1615995547