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Firstly and most importantly, I would like to give special thanks to my family and friends, my wonderful husband Steve and my three gorgeous children Benn, James and Katie; you make me happy and proud everyday.

I would also like to acknowledge all my fantastic friends and colleagues in the London Ambulance Service, particularly those who have worked with me at HQ and on the Croydon (centre of the universe!) complex. Between you, you have kept me sane, supplied me with tea, chocolate and – only when off duty, of course – wine! You have supported me when required (you know who you are) and at times made me laugh so hard my sides ached and tears streamed down my face. You are the best bunch of people anyone could ever work with, I have absolutely no doubt about that.

I would also like to say thanks to all the marvellous staff at Croydon University Hospital. There were nurses and doctors who became role models to me in my early years as a student nurse. They inspired me to want to be more like them and they continue to influence the way I work today. Some of these people have been there since I started my journey, but I would also like to mention the new friends and colleagues who are there for me now. These good people patiently put up with my incessant questioning and support me in my endeavour to be as good a practitioner as I can be.

Big thanks as well to the staff at the Faculty of Health Care Science at St George’s, University of London, where I worked briefly and where I continue to study.

This edition of the book is dedicated to Steve Wright. Steve and I joined the London Ambulance Service on the same day in April 1994. Together with the rest of our group we completed our basic training at Bromley Training Centre. When we finally got to put on the much coveted uniform (which back then was the bright green boiler suits) we had such fun playing at being paramedics, re-enacting all sorts of improbable scenarios. We even had a group song ‘You are my sunshine’ which we sang to our long suffering tutors on our last day in school.

At last were let loose on the unsuspecting public as Steve and I were placed together for a six week period of consolidation on a front line ambulance working from St Helier ambulance station. Steve was always the consummate gentleman and looked after me well during this time. We loved every minute of it and laughed so much as we helped each other muddle through those early days.

Steve’s career with the ambulance service was full and varied. He never stopped looking for new challenges. However, sadly in August 2009 Steve passed away after a short illness. His funeral was a standing room only affair with motorcycle out-riders, a piper and even the helicopter medical service flew past to pay her respects.

Whenever anyone speaks of Steve, they always mention his love for his family, his professionalism, lust for life and pride in his job. They also remember his ever present beaming smile. Steve was the epitome of what a paramedic should be and I am grateful that his family has kindly allowed me to pay tribute to him by dedicating this edition of my book to his memory.

Best wishes to all the other front-line staff up and down the country. This includes the other ambulance services, voluntary services, fire brigade and especially the police for coming so quickly to rescue us when we call for ‘urgent police assistance’. It’s good to know that you are there!

Lastly, thanks to the patients who trust us enough to let us into their lives when they are at their most vulnerable and who at times inspire us as they deal with whatever life is throwing at them.

Lysa Walder, London, 2011