A Paramedic's Diary: Life and Death in London

by Stuart Gray

Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical, Medicine, Biography

231 pages, Paperback

First published December 13, 2007

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

By describing his encounters with real life patients in the back of an ambulance, Stuart Gray gives the reader an insight into his life and role as a paramedic in England, with all its highs and lows. This book would appeal to all readers with an interest in the emergency services and also offers the layperson explanations of medical terms and procedures regularly performed by paramedics. Working in the health industry myself I found this book very informative and thought provoking, especially in regards to the issues faced by emergency services in England and the emotional rollercoaster ride of working as a paramedic. As the book is in the form of many short stories based on true events, it is easy to read and will keep the reader interested.

My only criticism is that often the stories end quite suddenly, leaving me wanting more information of what happened to that particular patient. But I guess this also is the fate of a paramedic - once the person has been handed over to the hospital for further treatment, their role has been fulfilled and they may never know the outcome for the patient.

I can recommend this book to anyone who wants a "no-frills" honest account of the role of a paramedic in England.

[Tracey Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read the book it's OK.

Also just read in the newspaper that the author has been remanded in custody for making and owning indecent images of children. This sickens me!

[Andrew Niemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.3 stars) A well written book that brings together the many, often conflicting, facets that face EMS crews on a daily basis, capturing the essence of the job very well. It's amazing to see that despite being on a different continent, we face many of the same issues & frustrations - a previous reviewer commented on lack of closure on many incidents - but that is generally the reality. EMS is a fun, exciting, frustrating, scary, boring, job - I've been doing it full and part time for 23 years, and Mr. Gray really does the community proud. Yes, there were a few typos, etc, but they in no way take away from the content. I also liked the fact that despite a common language, there are some amusing differences (and for the author, I believe the siren referred to as "ray-gun" is what we call "phaser" over here.)

[Babybananaa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book wasn't too bad. It just documented a life of a paramedic and how he coped with being a paramedic. However I feel that this book would of been better if he didn't make chapters in his book for example, Traffic, Maternity etc but just mix all the stories together. After reading a few from the same sub-topic it gets mundane and your likely to skip some words and just skip to the next chapter.

[Nicci · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really easy read. This book describes the day to day life of a paramedic taken from his blog and turned into this book. Really interesting and makes you realise what these guys have to do everyday. Some of the stories and things they have to deal with are amazing. I found this book very easy to read, really liked his writing style. Humor comes across well too. Really recommend!

[Becca Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prompted to read this after my sister worked as an emergency ambulance operator in Central London, and let slip some of the every day tales that those who aern't exposed to it, would find extremely disturbing.

Much respect for those on the front line of the emergency services.

[Craig Hall jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book. if you aren't in health care it might seem heartless at times. not the case, this books conveys the frustrations of emergency workers in dealing with the general population while trying to make a difference in the world.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book detailing stories from the front line of the emergency services. An intriguing and interesting read. Also educational as Gray explains what some of the medical jargon means

[Martin Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

a interesting read on what a paramedic's does and puts up with