I have some mixed feelings about this. The author is constantly finding all kinds of flaws in almost everybody around him. Now first of all, there is always a large contingency of screw-ups in any large population. Both the size of the city of New York, and the pressure of medical emergencies, will produce a handsome supply of these. Also, Shapiro is working in a pretty intense us-vs.-them context, where strong peer bonding is inevitable, and a natural part of this is scorn for outsiders. Still, aren't you just a little bit suspicious of someone who ALWAYS finds problems are caused by the bad judgment of everyone else?

Aside from that, this is a fascinating, fast-paced and informative book. It's going to give you a good look into a world very few of us ever visit, and earn your respect for the incredible people who live and work there.

But that's just one person's opinion. Future readers, what do YOU think of this book?

Given to me by JudySlump612 for possible inclusion in the next Medicine Chest Bookbox. Thanks!

Good fast paced. I have been doing some reading for the Medicine Chest, and this was pretty good. Gritty, grotty, and readable.

Shapiro was a paramedic during the 80s in NYC, and enjoyed the thrill of getting to the scene of accidents, etc. Didn't really enjoy the people he had to deal with. He will tell you that over and over. By his own report, he is very good at his job (despite the 'screw-ups he reports). Still an action packed book that reads of a series of fast paced vignettes, with him as hero, and the rest of us as annoying.

Put into the Medicine Chest III Bookbox.

Welcome to Bookcrossing, where Books roam freely! I hope you enjoy the book, and leave a journal entry so I can see where the book ended up. You can remain anonymous if you'd like, or join and follow the book's travels throughout the world! If you join, please mention me, quietorchid, or any other journaller as the referring member. The site is free, secure, and non-spamming. Take a look around, and then go read!


P.S. If the book is too good to read and release, that's okay, you can keep it, just let me know that it's found a good home!

JudySlump612, girl I am collecting up all your books! And you know I will read them. This medicine chest book box is like a gold mine for me. I'm excited like a kid going to Disneyland!

Just wrote a review only to have it disappear. I hate that!
OK, try again.
Paul Shapiro works on an ambulance in NYC and we get to ride along on the calls. It is fascinating and enjoyable reading. I'm surprised that this book was not more popular as this kind of show is very popular; everyone seems to want to be on the scene of whatever life or death thing is happening. This book is just like that, plus we get to see some of the underpinnings to the whole emergency services network; the politics of how police, fireman, hospitals and ambulance crews work together (or don't) to save lives. We also see how some of the "saves" leave people in a vegetable state which is, to me, worse than death and how some of the things they do to save people, or to meet their legal obligations to work on someone who can't be saved, are very brutal. An EMT is also going to have to have a high tolerance for a lot of icky substances and smells; and he is going to have to be able to let death roll off his back in order to maintain his own mental well-being. Tough job being a medic on an ambulance, thank God we have them and God bless them.

I am putting this into the Anything but Romance Shrinking book box.

Released in to the Anything but Romance Shrinking book box which is now on its way to Perryfran.

This came home in my (thankfully now smaller!) bookbox, and looks like one I'll enjoy reading. Thanks.

Ok, this was an enjoyable read, but not a 'can't put it down' one for me. I found the look inside the everyday of a paramedic (a job I could never in a million years be drawn to), to be intriguing.

I can overlook his treatment of Jo coming off as overly heroic, simply because he DID stay and care for her. And after, it's easy, and perhaps necessary, to let the little frustrations and aggravations you felt while caregiver recede into the back corners of your memory. Insofar as fault-finding with those he worked with and for, I found he also admired others who were (also) good at their work,, and relayed as many tales of those he enjoyed working alongside.

The 'blood and gore' factor didn't phase me, but what I did have a hard time with was the class he took prior to the Kenya trip: learning/practicing his surgical skills on a dog. I can understand the why, but that does nothing to reduce my visceral reaction.

I'm skipping this round of the Medicine Chest bookbox, so shall have to find another home for this.

What perfect timing~~ I offered another medically-related book in a vbb, and it was just selected. So I'm going to add this one as a surprise rabck. :D

I received this from Erishkigal of Salt Lake City, Utah as a surprise RABCK.

Thank you, Erishkigal. This book looks intense. I'll give it a try.

Although I did find the book interesting, I couldn't help wondering how a book written by a "first responder" today would differ from the experiences written in this book, apparently by the author's sister. This book was first published in 1991, so it features the paramedic's years working mostly in the 1980s.This book is written chronologically about the paramedic's life as he dabbles with summer jobs and then becomes a dedicated paramedic.

This book has been donated to the nonfiction vbb organized by booklady331.

The nonfiction VBB organized by booklady331 has run its course so this book is now available.

This book is going into the potluck bookbox organized by waternixie. It will be mailed to josierivers of Leesville, South Carolina.

I have not finished this book, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far! It has been an amazing read and hard to put down! I received this book in a book box where you trade books.