Been ten years in the making, this one. The Gap is about a particularly difficult summer working as a paramedic in Bondi, the closest ambulance station to Sydney’s suicide spot at Watson’s Bay known as ‘The Gap’. It was a summer when the suicide rate peaked, when mental health calls seemed to be all we were doing, and when my friend and work partner John Dixon spiralled into his own depression at the same time. It’s a deeply personal and honest work in which I’ve refused to sanitise or glorify the job of the paramedic. For that reason it may be confronting for some. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I accept that. But what you’ll get reading The Gap is an insight into the factors that lead to people taking their own lives and the part we can play in supporting the vulnerable and helping to bring them back from the edge.
If reading this story triggers you in some way or brings up something difficult for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. People all around you are ready and willing to listen, including me. There are also many help-lines and counselling services available, including Lifeline 13 22 14 and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
‘The Gap’ is also available right now at all good bookstores and online. The Kindle version is available on Amazon & AudioBook from Audible. After you’ve read ‘The Gap’ (or listened to it!) please send me your feedback and/or take the time to review it on Amazon and/or Goodreads.
Order THE GAP at Booktopia, Amazon or Angus & Robertson.
eBook at Amazon Kindle and Audiobook at Audible.