Entertaining but ...November 13, 2008 Although I enjoyed around half of the entries and found them entertaining and often very touching, this book should come with a warning.... for all NHS staff who work outside of the ambulance service! While the author acknowledges that his comments are not meant to tar all NHS employees with the same brush, and definitely the shortages of staff put pressure on all, there are several occasions where doctors, nurses and midwives are made out to be rude and uncaring and often this book descends into ranting about these professional groups. While dipping in and out of a blog the odd rant is ok, I found that in a book form these frequent angry entries got in the way of the flow of an otherwise enjoyble book.
Difficult to put down........June 17, 2008 As someone who is about to embark on a Paramedic-in-training programme, I bought this book with the hope that it would give me a thorough understanding of what is in front of me. It has. It's hilarious, upsetting, insightful and extremely interesting to get such an inside perspective. I highly recommend this book to anyone - it's an eye opener. I can't wait to get started.
excellentJune 3, 2008 a real good book getting to the point of issues in the abulance service today, really got a feel of what he has to put up with.
A must have!March 24, 2008 Unfortunately for me, I also finished this book in just about two days - but have now started to read Reynolds' blog, Random Acts of Reality, everyday!
This book gets you down the street level and tells you what it is like to be an EMT serving the community. I live in Los Angeles, but can easily relate to each and every story told in this book. The stories are short one or two pagers that are easy to get through and leave wanting to get to the next one.
Tom Reynolds not only conveys the passion for his job, but the utter frustration felt by the EMS commmunity worldwide when people abuse the system. From the repeat drug user on his nth overdose this month to the pregnant woman calling for an ambulance because she doesn't want to pay for a taxi to take her the 300 yards to the hospital - it's all here.
If you've ever wondered what was going on with the sirens and flashing lights down the street, read this book!
excellent excellentFebruary 21, 2008 great book. Brilliant description of working in the ambulance service. You warm to tom immediately. I read this book after reading a reccomendation for it in the book in stitche; the highs and lows of life as an A&E doctor. Both books are great - get them both
