Sally Gould
Sally Gould: From Journals to Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic
Sally Gould has been a paramedic for fourteen years and counting, and still calls it the best job in the world. But she’s quick to add, it’s not an easy one. Her journey began long before she donned the uniform, inspired by her father, who was also a paramedic. That legacy, combined with a lucky two-week placement early in her training with a remarkable mentor and a wide range of experiences, set the tone for a career built on compassion, resilience, and reflection.
Speaking recently to a room of paramedicine students during a campus visit to share insights from her memoir, Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic, Sally shared the story behind the book. It began with journaling—something she started during university and continued through her first few years on the road. “Writing helped me process the chaos,” she said. “It gave me a way to reflect, to grow, and eventually, to tell our story.”
Her first manuscript was lost when her computer died, a devastating moment. But after working for several years and taking time off for maternity leave, Sally returned to the idea. “I wrote it for myself, and for my fellow paramedics,” she explained. “So that our story could be told.”
The students had questions - big ones. How do you make the most of your first year? How do you survive the career?
Sally’s answers were grounded in experience:
- Accountability: “Own your knowledge gaps, your mistakes, and your learning. That’s how you grow.”
- Attitude: “Be open to feedback. Reflect often. Stay curious.”
- Resilience: “Self-care isn’t optional. I’ve struggled with it, but sleep, hydration, and boundaries matter.”
- Humour: “It’s often dark, but it helps. It’s how we cope.”
- Reflection: “Keep journaling. It’s powerful.”
She spoke candidly about the job itself. “Being a paramedic is the best job in the world. But it’s not easy. You see people at their worst, and you have to be at your best.”
Her advice on self-care was practical and honest:
- Sleep: “Prioritise it, no matter what.”
- Night shifts: “Drink lots of water. Listen to your body. Use routines, white noise, block-out shutters, whatever helps you sleep.”
On work-life balance, Sally emphasised the importance of mixing paramedic and non-paramedic life. “You need to notice when work is creeping into home, like stressing about your kid’s lunch because of a tough shift.”
One of the most poignant parts of her talk was about delivering bad news. “It’s a learned skill,” she said. “You take the mask off. Make eye contact. Introduce yourself. Be clear and concise. Then give them space. Let them guide the moment.”
For students heading into their first placement, Sally offered this: “Make sacrifices to be your best self - sleep well, organise your uniform, arrive early. It’s your time to practice what you’ve book-learned. Be honest about where you’re at but jump in and give it a go.”
When she’s not in uniform, Sally tutors paramedic students, writes, and nurtures herself through running, bushwalking, baking, theatre, and time with family. She lives in Sydney with her husband and two children.
Her book, Frog is more than a memoir, it’s a tribute to the profession, a reflection on the human side of emergency care, and a guide for those just beginning their journey.