“Saving Lives, Living the Dream: Short Stories by EMTs and Paramedics,” by Nicholas Hoskin, is a compilation of EMS on-the-job stories that will keep you up at night and even make you laugh out loud. The descriptions of partners, patients, and others on scene exemplify exactly what it’s like to be an EMS provider.àœ
Despite the differences among EMS systems, the book clearly illustrates what goes on in and around an ambulance. It’s interesting to read the differences when the stories are coming from a fire-based medic vs. an ambulance-only medic. The various authors poke fun at times but still encourage the respect that should exist between all professionals, no matter their title.
All of the EMS acronyms in the book are defined in the first chapter, so it would be a great gift for a family member or friend who wants to know what it’s like to work in EMS. This book is also appropriate for anyone thinking about entering prehospital care.àœ
Overall, the book is like sitting down with a good partner after years of working together and starting the conversation with “Remember when à· “
Sarah A. Winter,EMT-P, is a firefighter/paramedic with Littleton (Colo.) Fire Rescue. She’s currently completing her BS in Biology at the University of Colorado at Denver.
Click herefor more movie reviews.
