Book Review: It’s Not the Trauma, It’s the Drama: Stories by a Chicago Fire Department Paramedic by Marjorie Leigh Bomben
When I first stumbled upon It’s Not the Trauma, It’s the Drama by Marjorie Leigh Bomben, the title alone piqued my curiosity. As someone who often finds allure in the intricate, unseen worlds of first responders, I was eager to delve into the life of a woman navigating the high-stakes environment of the Chicago Fire Department. With over three decades of experience, Bomben offers not only a recounting of dramatic incidents but also a refreshing, humorous perspective on a profession often enveloped in trauma and gloom.
The book is a collection of twenty true stories, each a unique vignette from Bomben’s extensive career. From her harrowing first trauma call—a tragic drag race turned disaster—to lighter, laugh-out-loud encounters, Bomben’s writing encapsulates the everyday dramas faced by paramedics. What struck me profoundly was how she transitions seamlessly between the comedic and the tragic, reminding us that life, much like her stories, is rarely straightforward.
Bomben’s candid storytelling is both heartfelt and illuminating. Her ability to weave humor into the grim realities of her job creates an engaging contrast, revealing the humanity behind the uniform. I found myself laughing out loud at stories like “You’ve Got My Eye” while simultaneously being moved by the intensity of “My First Trauma.” This book is a vivid reminder that even in the darkest moments, humor can serve as a lifeline.
One of the standout features of Bomben’s writing is her relatability. In a world often dominated by male voices in emergency services, Bomben’s perspective as a woman not only adds authenticity but also enriches the narrative. Her exploration of what it means to be a female paramedic in a traditionally male-dominated field is enlightening, tackling the challenges and triumphs with a poignancy that’s hard to overlook.
As I dove deeper into the book, I was particularly struck by Bomben’s reflections on the camaraderie among first responders and her acknowledgment of the varying human experiences she encounters. Her stories resonate on many levels, highlighting not just the physical traumas but the emotional burdens carried by those in the field. In one memorable tale, she illustrates the absurdity of a call involving characters that felt plucked straight from a comedy sketch, leading me to ponder the delicate balance between laughter and sorrow that first responders must navigate daily.
While some reviewers mentioned a desire for deeper dives into systemic issues within emergency services, I found the book’s charm lay in its personal anecdotes rather than broader socio-political commentary. Bomben’s stories serve as a love letter to her career—a celebration of the chaotic, touching, and often hilarious incidents that define her time on the job.
I would recommend It’s Not the Trauma, It’s the Drama to anyone curious about the realities of emergency medical work, those who admire strong female voices in literature, or anyone simply looking for an engaging and well-told story. Whether you’re a fellow first responder or someone vicariously living through gripping tales, this book is a compelling reminder of the resilience and camaraderie found in the face of adversity.
Reading Marjorie Leigh Bomben’s work was not just an experience in learning about the life of a paramedic; it was a heartfelt journey through the human condition, reminding us all of the drama—a universal theme we all share—wrapped in the fabric of life.