Customer Reviews

Quick! How Do You Dial 9-1-1?: Lifelines and Laughlines of a Firefighter Paramedic

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Author, Randy Nickerson has hit the nail on the head with his book on the ups and downs of being a fireman-paramedic. His insight from on the job experience is related so well that I now have a greater respect for all the firemen and the tremendous jobs they do, from putting up with all the crazy people, to the dangerous missions they set out on at any given moment. It is also a great book if you wonder if you have what it takes to enter into this profession. I envy his job, but at the same time I know I don't have what it takes to do his job. Randy has written this book with humor and he also shows his compassionate side as he deals with his "customers". You won't regret buying this book. My son and I fought over it back and forth for 2 days until we had both finished it.

Wickedly funny, should appeal to a wide variety of people, from those looking for true life paramedic books to those who like to read of strange real life incidents. Captain Nickerson is definitely the guy I'd want to respond to my 9-1-1 call.

Reading this is much like listening to my husband talk about his job. (He's a volunteer Medical First Responder for our community, though he holds an EMT license and is studying for paramedic.) The stories in this book are a funny, but realistic view of a paramedic's life.

This book is hysterical! It highlights the more rediculous (but true) things that firefighters deal with on a daily basis. I highly recommend this book!

It was a fun read a little goofy at times but altogether a fun read I would recomend this to anyone who wants to read the lighter side of EMS.

Randy is as fantastic a writer I have ever had the privilige to meet. Being in the volunteer EMS field I can laugh with him as he meets all the different characters he helps. His sense of humor is a survivor skill in his profession. I hope to see more of his work, is it needed in our work as much as good equipment.

In the wake of the events of Sept. 11, our nation's true heroes have received the respect and praise they deserve on a daily basis. With this newfound glitz and glamour, I am sure that the career choice of many is to be a fireman, paramedic, or police officer.
Randy Nickerson's new book tells stories of what these people do and face on a typical day at the office. He uses true stories with a touch of humor to tell what he has experienced in his 23 years of service. The thing that distinguishes his book from others is that he tells the stories as he saw and remembers them. This allows readers to put themselves in his boots and see and feel what he did. He tells of experiences where he, his partners, and equipment defeated nature or death, but he also tells of experiences where all he could do was console the loved ones of the victims whose time on earth had expired. He tells of experiences where he was just as scared as those involved but had to hide his fear and try to save a life in a situation that no training or manual could prepare you for. He also tells of experiences that come back to him; some as a haunting memory as he passes the site of the accident and others as a greatful thanks for a job well done from the survivor or loved one. As the author puts it, his job has its ups and downs, but in what other job can you comment on the events of your day at the workplace with the following statement, "Oh nothing much. Just saved another life, that's all."
I did not want to put this book down until I finished, and even then I was left wanting more. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone, and I would definitely recommend it to someone considering a career as a fireman, paramedic, or police officer.

This is the worst book I have ever read. There is no detailed accounts of any of the situations this man has encountered, only very very brief stories of what happened. I'm still trying to figure out where the funny parts are in this book, there are definately no "laughlines". Don't waste you time or money.