The Green Man was written because, after a great many years since leaving the Ambulance Service in Great Britain, Ron Gillatt was diagnosed with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It was as a result of being exposed to the everyday horrors during more than 30 years working as a paramedic in Great Britain. PTSD is now recognised as a major problem for first responders such as paramedics, fire fighters and police officers, and it can strike at any time. In Ron’s case, his symptoms did not arise until decades later when he officially retired.

After suffering with horrific nightmares, Ron sought help from his doctor and mental health professionals who were able to help him. Ron also participated in his own kind of therapy, through dusting off the diaries he kept during his working career, compiling his memories and stories for publication. He found that many sections were definitely difficult to relive, but he also found that processing them through writing helped him deal with the PTSD.

Ron was proud to be among the first wave of paramedics that propelled ambulance services into the incredible professional paramedic service that you find in developed countries today. Still, despite the many innovations, first responders are still at risk of developing PTSD because they cannot save everyone and they still have to walk into dangerous and horrific situations with their heads, their hearts and their training all on high alert.