Life in the Balance

A remarkably honest memoir of a life spent pulling people back from death – Adam Kay * author of This is Going to Hurt *[Jim] describes with unflinching honesty the toll that working in intensive care can take on his own mental healthJim Down is as remarkable a writer as he is a doctor. If I’m ever in ICU I hope he’s my consultant * Medical Editor, BBC *Whether treating famous Russian spies, the victims of terrorist attacks, or people taken close to death by Covid, he shows us what it’s really like to care for those who are clinging to life, and describes with unflinching honesty the toll that working in intensive care can take on his own mental health – Alastair CampbellSpies, terror, personal crisis, resolution and redemption; Life in the Balance really has it all … a hilarious, beautiful book, I was sincerely moved – Dr Chris van TullekenBeautifully written, witty and heartbreaking – Olivia ColmanIf Jim Down is as good a doctor as he is a writer, I’d definitely want him treating me. * John O’Farrell *Transport yourself into the angst ridden, terrifying, and at times hilarious world of the trainee doctor of the 1990s. A cross between This is Going to Hurt and Do No Harm … highly recommended! – Dr Andrew Jenkinson * author of Why We Eat too Much *Jim’s book is different. His ear is attuned, and his recounting conversations makes me live his scenes. And he made me think, weep and smile. He’s a smart, wise and kind doctor in real life, and these characteristics shine through. Whoever you are, you should read this book. One in five of you will, at some point, need a Jim – Hugh Montgomery * Professor of Intensive Care Medicine, University College London *Life in the Balance brims with the wonder, trauma and magic of medicine. Jim Down is a consummate storyteller whose tales of life and death in the ICU are riveting. I loved this book! – Dr Rachel Clarke * author of Breathtaking *

Dr Jim Down is a consultant in critical care and anaesthesia based in London. He chairs the ICU consultants’ group, the department of anaesthesia weekly scientific meetings and the UCLH Trust guideline committee. During the Covid-19 pandemic he worked on UCLH’s busy ICU ward, and was interviewed by the BBC for a groundbreaking report depicting medics on the frontline. His account of that period, Life Support, was published in 2021 and his second book, Life in the Balance, was published in 2023.