Customer Reviews

EMT: Beyond the Lights and Sirens

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Reading Pat's book was like reading a story about not only myself, but many of the people I've met through my involvement in rural EMS. How many people can say that they volunteer because EMS is in their heart? When I first started I was so unsure of why I got involved, only I knew there was an empty place in my heart that needed to be filled, and now I can't imagine what life would be like without it! It's such a wonderful feeling to be there for a "save", or to see someone on the street and have them thank you for being there when they needed you desperately, and knowing you were there because it's where your heart has led you.

Pat Ivey, a volunteer EMT in a rural area, takes us on an ambulance ride through several years of her career, showing us the humor, pathos and humanity of the patients she and her squad treat. Pat shows us some of the pressures of being a volunteer, and gives us a glimpse into how this affects her family life. Pat goes to a big-city ambulance crew as a "tick" or ride-along, and is accused by one of the EMTs there of being "a handholder," but it is Pat and her crew's warmth and caring toward their patients that stands out most clearly in this book. Pre-hospital treatment can begin with soothing and reassurance. A book that kept me turning pages, and even shedding a tear now and then. Well worth the read.

I purchased this, with a little hesitation at first. I thought that maybe it would just be a book about what someone dealt with at home, not on the job. I was wrong.

Pat Ivey did an amazing job of describing exactly what it is like to be in EMS. Regardless if your an EMT, Paramedic (CT as she describes it), volunteer or paid, I feel she nailed it. Between dealing with emotions with certain calls and patients, to having to work with your family about something you love and want to do, help others, this book covered it all. I was very pleased with reading it and would recommend to anyone. I admit there were a few times where I became lost and not sure what was going on. For example, she's talking about an incident that happened that was good, and showed how humans can be decent to each other, and caring; But the very next paragraph it talks about a guy hanging himself. It threw me off, but still kept me intrigued and glued to my kindle until I was done.

This book started my volunteering in Orange County. I was EMS in NOVA for several years before I found this book. Anyone that is in EMS or interested is it needs to read Pat's book. I now live in Orange and know Pat Ivey personal. She is a true american hero and someone that I look up to. I can't say enough about the book or the author.

Pat Ivey is a fantastic author; her style of writing keeps the reader involved-almost attached to the story. You feel like you are standing right there with her in the memories and scenes. Beyond The Lights and Sirens was the first book that I had ever read from cover to cover and enjoyed every page. EMT: Rescue was just as great; in twenty-two years, I had never read a book thoroughly, as I did these. I've been an EMT for six years, and I didn't even read my EMS texts from cover to cover. I have never began a book that kept my mind involved as well as Ms. Ivey did. If she would happen to read this, I'd like to thank her. I recommend this book to anyone that has put their heart into EMS, and their community. Thanks Pat!

I'm an EMT with a rual volunteer squad in the same county as Pat Ivey is. I've worked with her numerous times and the same compassion she shares in the book she shows on scene. "EMT: Beyond the Lights and Sirens" shares the heart that Pat has for her community. It's true, it's not just the lights and sirens that make up a rescue squad, it the heart of compassion of the heroes that volunteer their time to serve their community.

This book was given to me by a friend of mine when I passed the Virginia EMT test. I was 17 and a litte unsure of myself, and the reason I became involved in EMS. 7 years later I still answer the call that Pat so eloquently describes in this book and her other book EMT: Rescue. Having met Pat last year at the annual Virginia EMS Symposium, I was even more impressed with the way that she handled and presented herself to the many people that came to listen. Her book is one of the best that I've read concering EMS and life in general. Thank you.

Pat Ivey takes you far and beyond the title of EMT or cardaic technician. She takes you "beyond the lights and sirens." She lets you experience not only the adernaline rush of working in EMS but also the emotional stand point of the system Working in the system myself I have found the book to be a great inspirational guide. To know that everybody looses patients and people just die sometimes. She also gives you the motivation to do as much as you can in EMS. Excellent author and an excellent plot. GREAT BOOK PAT.

I loved this book! Pat Ivey really expresses what being a female EMT is like in today's society. She tells about her feelings of inadequacy in a male dominated work environment. I could not stop reading it! I felt as though I was fighting, crying, and laughing right along with Pat Ivey.

I read this book. I am a male EMT and I thougt that this book gave great insite to what it would be like to work as a female EMT. I appreciate my EMT co-workers even more. Thanks Pat Ivey.