BOOK REVIEWS
But Where Do You Put The Patient ? Paul Riley 2021 ISBN 978-0-6450617-0-3
Paramedics are often those unsung heroes that attend scenes that many of us would consider too extreme , too heart wrenching . Untold stresses , anguish and pressures placed upon these medical professionals is unfathomable , add the risks of trying to get through tight city streets and you have a special breed .
Paul Riley took it a step further when he became one of Australia ’ s first motorcycle-based paramedics . While the dangers of riding , often at higher speeds , through metropolitan traffic added to the stresses it did allow these paramedics to reach people in need often within the critical time constraints .
Riley has documented many of his stories in But Where Do You Put The Patient ? A collection of stories and anecdotes that outline the dayto-day experiences of a paramedic .
In But Where Do You Put The Patient ? Riley covers everything from the joys of childbirth to the unthinkable of road trauma and suicide . And touched on is the mental anguish felt by these people who offer themselves to protect us .
Whilst But Where Do You Put The Patient ? is written by a motorcycle paramedic and is heavily focused on this area it could perhaps cover more detail and insight into what it takes . This is an interesting read and at times often funny , it is certainly thought provoking . We just wish it was a little more detailed and longer .
East To Zero Christian Brix 2021 ISBN 978-1-9162009-8-2
East To Zero picks up the story as Brix finds himself in a vastly different part of the world to Africa , covered in The Unseen Walls , as he sets off through Asia .
The experiences of Africa set the scene for what is to come although Asia is more familiar plus , for the most part , he has riding partners . It ’ s an interesting dynamic that adds to Brix ’ s own demons , travel becomes more complex dealing with the expectations of others .
Through his experiences Brix deals with depression , how he sees others , the world and the human condition , all affect his mental state .
East To Zero is skilfully crafted , drawing the reader in to question not only how we see the world but what is the meaning of it all . It ’ s not a travelogue that concentrates on the glory of travel but an exploration of oneself and how we fit into the greater scheme . East To
Zero is brutally honest and whilst confrontational it will have you wanting to travel , to explore , to discover and make you realise that whilst overland travel might be off the cards for now , exploring your own being is a wonderful place to start .
East To Zero could easily be the ( motorcycle ) travel book of the year .
TRAVERSE 140