Saving a Stranger's Life: The Diary of an Emergency

by Anne Biccard

‘I sometimes joke with my colleagues about the Grim Reaper. I call him Grim, rather than Mr Reaper. No one can work in an ED without forming some kind of relationship with him. Grim always wins in the end, of course, but it is really pleasing to get a point on the board every now and again.’ Anne Biccard has worked as an emergency doctor in Johannesburg for more than 30 years. It is a job that is both terrifying and thrilling, where death can be outwitted by skill and quick thinking, and the pressure eased by dark humour. The coronavirus, however, has added another dimension of fear. In this heartwarming and at times hilarious memoir she recounts some of the cases that have burst in through her doors, such as the woman who mistook her Dettol for beer and the man who tried to run down his cardiologist. There is sadness, too, as she remembers the patients who didn’t make it. Above all, she writes of the camaraderie and dogged determination of health workers holding fast in the face of the Covid-19 nightmare as they battle, every day, to save a stranger’s life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Medicine

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely amazing read this was. Funny, moving, informative and compelling are just a few of the words to describe it. Biccard, an ER doctor in the same Jo’bug hospital for 30 years, describes her life in the time of COVID in a supremely relateable and engaging manner. We get to experience the pandemic from the point of view of a frontline worker, who is at the same time an ordinary woman with loved ones and an army of rescue greyhounds.
She clearly is also an astute observer of the quirks of human nature. Her hilarious observations and deep reflections alike, are written with a light hand, making this book an utter delight to read.

[Claire Hondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Watch one, do one, teach one"

Took a whole week reading this book, felt there was no need to rush this writing, she is so engaging with each story of her ED life be it in a hilarious, heart-breaking, witty story you are just captivated. Wished it didn't end, experiencing the life of an emergency room dr in this covid period trying to stay sane, and finding relevance with everything happening.
One thing I love about emergency medicine is there is no patient continuity care to worry about, once they have moved to a specialty, they no longer your baby. You will have unsolvable cases, you will lose some patients but you will also do more good.

Working in the ED encourages a black sense of humor which can be an effective defense against all the sadness in the world its a distraction and detachment to distance self from the pain and panic of the everyday job. She had a lot of it in this book she wrote in a diary form but very relatable. Exposure to illness is an inescapable part of medicine-how her partner ends up getting covid whilst she needs surgery🤦🏾‍♀️ but glad it worked out in the end. One of my best reads so far.

Got my copy from Bargain Books.

[Elmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't give a break down like I usually do with this book. I finished it in one sitting and loved every second of it. This book was unflinching, heartbreakingly, hilariously real. Having worked in EMS in Johannesburg, I felt this in my bones. While reading this I was torn between missing my previous profession and gratitude that I'm not out on the frontlines dealing with this pandemic.

[Charmaine A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only criticism I have is that this thoroughly enjoyable read ended too quickly and rather abruptly. I feel that Dr Anne got the balance perfect - hard facts, harsh realities, human reactions and tongue in cheek humour all delivered with an engaging turn of phrase. Sprinklings of context, environment, weather and introductions to the greyhounds with some reference to music selections adds to the richness of the observations. Dr Anne presents as human and dedicated, professional and genuine. Hopefully the cases chosen for specific mention are exceptional and rare. The apparent wrestle with continued work in the profession appears to be a function of burnout. Of course, Dr Anne could give up her day job and become a professional author - but where would the fascinating diary material come from? This book, ironically is a positive outcome apparently inspired by this negative and dreaded pandemic. The challenge for Dr Anne will be to build a series from this wonderful first book. I’m reminded of the Alexander McCall First Ladies Detective Agency series. Similar feel; more substance...

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this honest insight into the work of an emergency doctor during the COVID pandemic. Humourous & touching in parts. Huge respect to all healthcare workers who are tirelessly working to look after all of us in these very trying times

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy Adam Kay you will enjoy this! An easy read that is also easily understood no medical jargon to decipher... highly recommend! A new outlook on the Emergency Room at hospitals.

[Jess Qvist · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Diary of an Emergency Room Doctor in South Africa during Covid-19. This was a deeply honest account of that dreaded 2020 year. It wasn't fun to read in the sense that no Covid-19 book is ever going to be fun to read. However, it was fun in another sense. A few funny stories and some heartwarming ones too. I especially loved hearing about the Snoopies.

On another note, is it kind of shocking that I can't even remember how many lockdowns we had? (Did we have more than 1?) It would seem that I don't remember very much about Covid-19. 🙃

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful read. This is a book I will keep forever!

[Jesica Hargreaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant read! Can't wait for the next one!

[Diane V-R · Rating 5 out of 5]

South African doctor and author, Anne Biccard, takes the reader through her experience of working in a hospital emergency department during the Covid-19 lockdown.