When you kneel in front of somebody''s grandpa who''s sitting on his couch and denying his chest pain, you need to recognize the pain he says isn''t there, detect the shortness of breath he hasn''t mentioned and sense the fear that''s absolutely dominating his consciousness. You need to appreciate the fact that his spouse, seated right there next to him, is scared to death she''s never going to sleep with him again. And somehow, you need to make everything better in just a few minutes. Thes are the dynamics of even the simplest emergency response. The presuppose the presence of gifts in us that not even the greatest teacher can impart - gifts that, unfortunately, come without instructions. This book is an examination of those gifts and a collection of the instructions that didn''t come with them. It''s based on the collective experience and wisdom of dozens of professsional paramedics and EMTs worldwide who learned to love the lifelong pursuit of helping others.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Lauren
Format:Paperback
There are plenty of reference books for EMS, focusing on the "hard science" and skills taught in every class. There are also plenty of memoirs. This is the only book that actually addresses CARING for people, and improving relationships with patients, their loved ones, other care providers, coworkers, and even yourself.
Anyone who is considering a career in EMS should read this book, as it provides a very solid, true portrayal of what being an EMT actually means - which is not high adrenaline, lights and sirens, saving lives 24/7 as many think.
If I were an EMT-B instructor, this book would be required reading, no question. As a First Responder instructor, I strongly encourage my students who want to pursue EMS further to read it.
Anyone who is considering a career in EMS should read this book, as it provides a very solid, true portrayal of what being an EMT actually means - which is not high adrenaline, lights and sirens, saving lives 24/7 as many think.
If I were an EMT-B instructor, this book would be required reading, no question. As a First Responder instructor, I strongly encourage my students who want to pursue EMS further to read it.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Even though I am not a paramedic/EMS, I found this book to touch my heart and soul like no other.In the true sense of the word we are all caregivers....called to help those in need in some way......"to do small things with great love". Thom has captured this basic call to humanity in a beautifully expressive way. All caregivers owe it to themselves to read this book!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you are looking to get someone in EMS a great present, here is the book for them or for yourself.
Thom Dick is the author of Street Talk, a book of essays that came out about the time I was in EMT school in 1989. It was extremely influential in instructing me in what it meant to be a caregiver. It encouraged me to see the patient as a person, to respect the people I work with, to take the time to be kind, and other important lessons that helped me become a better EMT.
A few years later I heard him speak at an EMS convention and he was fantastic. He got you fired up to go out there and hold old ladies' hands. He made you feel like the work you did, even the mundane parts, was special. I read his book often over the years and it always charged me up. Now I don't pretend to have always lived up to his standards. I know I haven't. But I do try.
His new book seems to be a expansion/complilation of his prior book and the talks he gives all over the country. It is enhanced by cartoons by Steve Berry, who does the "I am Not an Ambulance Driver" cartoon series.
This is a book that if you are in EMS, you should read once a year, to help remind you of your better instincts.
Thom Dick is the author of Street Talk, a book of essays that came out about the time I was in EMT school in 1989. It was extremely influential in instructing me in what it meant to be a caregiver. It encouraged me to see the patient as a person, to respect the people I work with, to take the time to be kind, and other important lessons that helped me become a better EMT.
A few years later I heard him speak at an EMS convention and he was fantastic. He got you fired up to go out there and hold old ladies' hands. He made you feel like the work you did, even the mundane parts, was special. I read his book often over the years and it always charged me up. Now I don't pretend to have always lived up to his standards. I know I haven't. But I do try.
His new book seems to be a expansion/complilation of his prior book and the talks he gives all over the country. It is enhanced by cartoons by Steve Berry, who does the "I am Not an Ambulance Driver" cartoon series.
This is a book that if you are in EMS, you should read once a year, to help remind you of your better instincts.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
every new emt should read this
this is the most inspiring book for any caregiver to read!!!!!!!!!!! I was taught in part to be a paramedic by mike smith hes a great motivational speaker and a wonderful teacher... Read more
Published 3 months ago by margie bowlby
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must read
This book really is a must read for new EMT's just coming out of class. A++++
Published on May 24, 2010 by Timothy Hicks
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Read
This is an excellent book and a must read for all EMS providers - new and old. This book is a must read for all EMT or Paramedic Students. Read more
Published on September 11, 2007 by KS Medic
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