EMT: Beyond the Lights and Sirens

by Pat Ivey, Tony Seidl (Editor)

"It bears witness to a nobility of spirit that exists in special communities."
ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD NEWS
Emergency Medical Technician Pat Ivey takes you inside the ambulance and on the road to share in the hope and compassion, tears and laughter, of volunteer rescue squad personnel. You'll experience the rush of adrenaline and the pain of loss. You'll go beyond the lights and sirens to witness the instinct of intelligence, the courage and commitment that makes the EMT an unsung hero in one of the most vital and compelling medical dramas of our time.

Genres: Medical, Nonfiction, Medicine, Memoir, Emergency Services, Biography

241 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Kevin McGinn]

As an EMT myself I could relate to this lifestyle and the patient care interactions, the calls, the medical terminology and the stress of the job. I can also relate to the patient life since I was a 3 on that coma scale. All EMTs and anyone interested in joining an EMS Service should read this book!

[Julie R]

I'd been looking for this type of book and was happy when I found this one. The subject was interesting to me, her training and calls the EMTs went on but I just couldn't warm up to the author, the main character of the book. I didn't feel like she was writing about things she had actually seen and done but watching as an outsider. Interesting book but lacking something.

[Catherine C.]

Interesting glimpse into the world of EMTs

Liked the fact that it wasn't too technical. An easy, entertaining read, and I have a greater appreciation of the work that EMTs do - the ups and downs, the risks and rewards.

[Dennis O'Rourke]

Being an EMT

Basic incident stories. Volunteer service with emotional feedback; the family of the caregiver sharing the stories and emotions. Some medical jargon

[Delissca]

This book was informative and heartfelt. I really enjoyed most of it. Some of it got a little bug down and details but other than that it was very good.

[Diane]

This book describes the work, rewards, and challenges in the life of an EMT>

[Robert Lewter]

Now my admiration for these people is even greater. A very good read.

[Julie Thomas]

Very engaging book

This book was written with knowledge and compassion. It was told in a way that kept me turning pages. Very glad aI have it a try.

[Heidi]

With compassion and insight, Pat Ivey tells of her experiences as a volunteer EMT in rural Virginia, from what first compelled her to join the local rescue squad to being one of the most experienced members on the team. Any emergency services volunteer could probably relate to some of the stories Pat has to tell, and to the many different emotions associated with the job. I found Pat’s narrative engaging and interesting, and it validated many of my own experiences.

[Jaci]

Very interesting and touching

This book was very well written and kept my interest throughout. Pat Ivey tells the story of her life as an EMT with compassion and discretion. If you are looking for a gorefest of graphic descriptions, this is not the book for you. Rather it is the story of the emotions that drive one rural EMT to join, stay with, and progress in a volunteer country ambulance squad. It was a very personal and compelling read.

[Richard Gullickson]

The true story of the Lake of the Woods (volunteer) Rescue Squad written by one of the pioneers. An accurate description of the stress caused by patients who die, long hours away from family, working nights, and running with career (paid) staff members from various jurisdictions. Great to read if you want to know what it is like to “run” on the rescue squad.

[Lynn]

Loved It

This book brought back so many wonderful memories of the time I spent on a rescue squad. The losses hurt but the saves make them bearable. Thanks Pal Ivey for the reminder of an important time in my life and thank you for your service. This book is the real deal. Highly recommended.

[Carianne Carleo-Evangelist]

An interesting, light read despite the subject matter. Although we knew it was dated by her daughter's age and the gift of twin cabbage patch kids, it didn't hit me how old this was until they referenced AIDS as "new" that discussed having to start wearing gloves. It turned out this was a 2014 reprint of a 1990 title. No matter, the human interest stories were still relevant

[Ed]

This is one my favorite books of all time. It is unfortunate that more EMTs are not like Pat and it has become de rigeur to be "the burn out medic." However, Pat encapsulates what I aspire to be as an EMT: competant, easy-going, caring and sincere.

[Lua]

Doctors, nurses, paramedics (including my son), and EMTs are my heroes! This is the first of two books based on the author's personal experiences as an EMT working on a volunteer squad in Virginia - both of which I really enjoyed.

[Edward Sipel]

Awesome so far

[Chris]

I read this quite a few years ago, but I remember it as being written with good detail and passion for the job

[Sara]

A very readable and accurate view of a rural volunteer rescue squad in the 1980s.

[cheryl davis]

Interesting

I enjoy reading real life books of this kind. The author did not use a lot of the medical terms so it easy for every one to read it.

[Darrell Craig]

A very informative book on the things Emt's go through on a given day.

I chose this rating because it was very well written but I had trouble staying with it all the way through.

[Kirsten]

I can relate.