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  • Published: 20 February 2020
  • ISBN: 9781784163884
  • Imprint: Black Swan
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $27.99

The Heat of the Moment

Life and Death Decision-Making From a Firefighter




One of the world’s most senior female firefighters shares stories from her extraordinary life to explore how we respond in life-or-death situations.

'An inspirational memoir from an extraordinary woman . . . A humbling, jaw-dropping read' Viv Groskop

'This book will change the way you think. Forever' Cosmopolitan
Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton has been a firefighter for eighteen years. She decides which of her colleagues rush into a burning building and how they confront the blaze. She makes the call to evacuate if she believes the options have been exhausted or that the situation has escalated beyond hope.

Taking us to the very heart of firefighting, she immerses us in this extraordinary world; from scenes of devastation and crisis, through triumphs of bravery, to the quieter moments when she questions herself. Revealing her own story for the very first time, she recounts her years spent sleeping rough and her passion for a career that allows her to rescue others as she was never rescued herself.

This book is the result of everything she has learnt about how we respond in our most extreme moments.

'This book challenges assumptions about who firefighters are, and about what women can do' The Guardian

  • Published: 20 February 2020
  • ISBN: 9781784163884
  • Imprint: Black Swan
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $27.99

About the author

Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton

Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton has been a firefighter since she was eighteen years old. She is now a Chief Fire Officer and one of the most senior female firefighters in the UK.

After leaving home at fifteen and school at sixteen, she joined the fire service in Wales. While climbing the ranks, she studied at the Open University and then at Cardiff University, eventually completing a PhD in Psychology. Her subsequent research into incident command in the emergency services has not only won awards but has also influenced policy at a global level. Sabrina was recently conferred as an Honorary Fellow at Cardiff University.

She lives with her husband and daughter in London.

Praise for The Heat of the Moment

[One of] the wonder women of our emergency services

Glamour

An inspirational woman

Good Housekeeping

Inspirational . . . a powerhouse

Cosmopolitan

A riveting account of the events the author has experienced, endured and overcome with courage, commitment and determination. This compelling book tracks her life, work and ambition in equal measure . . . This book presents a wonderful insight into the human side of firefighting and the decision-making of a talented and professional female fire officer.

Simon Pilling, Chief Fire Officer (retd)

The Heat of the Moment provides a unique personal insight into the world of the firefighter. The author’s experiences are presented in a frank and revealing way, and combined with insights from her broad understanding of academic psychology. The result is an inspirational and illuminating read.

Professor Rob Honey, University of Cardiff

A compelling book from start to finish. Cohen-Hatton uses her own experiences as a firefighter to expose the psychology behind her decisions and emotions. A great read and accessible to all.

Phil Butler, University of Cardiff

A compelling and exciting read. A great insight into decision-making on the front line of firefighting . . . Immersive stories, tension and fantastic lessons to take away. I loved it!

Flt Lt (Rtd) Mandy Hickson, former RAF Tornado pilot

One of the UK's most senior firefighters share heart-in-the-mouth stories from her 18 years in the emergency services, taking us to the very heat of battle; from scenes of devastation and crisis, to the quieter moments when these unassuming heroes question both themselves and the decisions they are forced to make. As we all as being extraordinarily courageous, Cohen-Hatton has an impressive professional track record: her award winning research into decision-making in the emergency services has transformed policy at a global level.

The Bookseller

An inspirational memoir from an extraordinary woman. The Heat of the Moment does for the fire service what Adam Kay’s This Is Going to Hurt did for the NHS. A humbling, jaw-dropping read which redefines what is possible in life

Viv Groskop

WOW! I just could not put it down! . . . It will enlighten people about the human aspects of firefighting, the challenges of decision-making under pressure and the way in which university research has helped to understand and improve the way leaders approach critical decisions. It’s certainly made me think about how I can use the principles discussed to help people in a variety of leadership positions.

Karen Holford, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University

Gripping, heart-stopping and profoundly reassuring. Thank heavens for such courage.

Sue Black, author of All That Remains

Where the book really shines is in its ability to seamlessly weave together the three strands: personal life, firefighting life and her incredible work into decision-making . . . Fascinating.

Clifford Thompson, author of 'Falling Through Fire'

Brilliant! It describes with sparkling emotional intelligence everything that is real about decision-making. Full of fire, passion, science and judgement, truly a giant contribution to research'

Professor Jonathan Crego

An immersive insight into a job which few of us could do, by a woman whose award-winning research into decision-making in the emergency services has transformed policy at a global level.

Stylist

The Heat of the Moment places the reader at the centre of life-or-death situations . . . and sets out a mini-charter for the sorts of decisions most of hope we shall never have to make, such as how to save first, and when instinct should override procedure.

The Guardian

Homeless as a teenager, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton has spent the last 18 years dealing with everything from fires to car crashes and terrorist attacks. Who better to write a book about life-or-death situations?

Guardian

A fascinating read

Dan Walker, BBC Breakfast

This book is incredible!

Louise Minchin, BBC Breakfast

A vivid reminder of the horrors that firefighters face daily - and the debt of gratitude society owes them . . . This book challenges assumptions about who firefighters are, and about what women can do.

The Guardian

This book will change the way you think. Forever.

Cosmpolitan

As well as being a fire-fighter, she’s a fire-thinker, and that’s what makes this book stand out.

Daily Mail

An inspiring, vivid account of the dangerous world of firefighting

Jane Shilling, Daily Mail