‘There’s definitely some realism’: N.S. author draws on first responder experiences for new novel

A retired Nova Scotia paramedic speaks about the important work of first responders, and how his experiences inspired his new book.

A new fiction novel by Nova Scotia author Sean Paul Bedell is based on his real-life experiences as a paramedic and firefighter.

Told from a first responder’s point of view, “Shoebox” centres around paramedic Steve Lewis as he deals with the aftermath of a tragedy and the guilt and grief that come along with it.

While the book is written in the first person and draws on Bedell’s experiences, the protagonist is not directly based on him.

“I did work as a paramedic. I did work on the Eastern Shore in Nova Scotia, all those sorts of things. So, there’s definitely some realism there, but the characters, and not just the main character Steve, all of them are composites of people that I’ve known or worked with,” said Bedell.

“And some of the calls that I’ve done as well are all kind of mingled in there to, to give the effect of realism, but also to move the story ahead.”

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, roughly 12 to 23 per cent of first responders will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.

While Bedell has not been officially diagnosed with PTSD, he says some of the darkest days of his career come back to haunt him.

“There are calls that I still remember. Certain things will conjure up those memories. I found for myself, writing the book was very therapeutic for me to exorcize some of those feelings and thoughts,” said Bedell.

“I’m very proud of the work that I did as a paramedic and very proud of some of the great calls, but I can’t neglect that there were calls that didn’t always have a great outcome.”

When asked what he hopes people take away from the book, Bedell said an understanding of the first responder world.

“Not just paramedics, but firefighters, police search and rescue,” he said.

“And understand that when we arrive on what’s a very bad day for that family, we don’t want to diminish what that family’s experiencing, but some of the first responders carry a little bit of that, times every call they do, with them. So just an understanding that first responders, paramedics are humans. They’re there to help, but they may need a little bit of help afterwards.”

Bedell adds, just like with all his books, he hopes readers will feel that “Shoebox” is a story of hope.

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