Rescue 471: A Paramedic's Stories

by Peter Canning

TRUE LIFE-AND-DEATH DRAMA

In taut, thrilling prose, Peter Canning has written a book that captures the rarely seen real world of emergency medicine. A seasoned paramedic who fights under enormous pressure to save lives, Canning trains new paramedics for the rigors of a nonstop, action-packed battle. From a four-month-old baby who has stopped breathing to a sixty-seven-year-old woman with a strange abdominal mass that threatens to explode--these are gripping true stories from the "ER on the streets." An exciting, often moving account, Canning tells a powerful story of camaraderie, selflessness, and courage as paramedics try to stand tall and human through both defeat and victory.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical, Medicine, Emergency Services, True Story

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 4, 2000

Reviews

[Riley Trowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescue 471 by Peter Canning
****4/5
(Sequel to On the Front Lines of Medicines)
Rescue 471 gives an inside look into real world emergency medicine. Peter Canning brings the reader along for the ride as if you were his partner. Canning describes thrilling scenes and shares emotions while going through his daily routine. Rescue 471 is the sequel to On the Front Lines of Medicine. This novel is perfect for anyone interested in the medical field or someone wants to learn what a paramedic deals with on the job. I recommend readers have a decent understanding of medical terms for which that could create some confusion, but if the reader has a grasp on the medical terms this book could be for all ages.
The structure of this non-fiction text is unique because the chapters are very short and straight to the point. The chapters are all a different call that Canning has been on and can stand on their own. This book is written as a narrative nonfiction with vocabulary that consists of a lot of medical terms and tools they use in the medical field. This narrative has been mistaken for fiction because it does have some qualities fiction like a linear plot within the chapter, but as a whole the chapters don’t go in order of the way they have happened. For example, near the last third of the book our main character talks about his first day on the job because when he receives a new partner, Arthur, to train who he sees a lot of himself in Arthur.
I appreciate the authors use of medical terms. “I grab a sixteen-gauge needle from my pocket and jab it into the jugular vein in her neck. Blood flashes back into the chamber” (140). As the reader I decided to read this book because I wanted to learn more about what it’s like to be a paramedic as I am trying to decide what job would best fit me in the medical field. The author does an outstanding job of engaging the reader as if he was his partner. As I read more I found that the author almost writes as if it’s a journal entry which I happen to like. “That night as I drive home I think about how at times I have thought of just pulling over to the side of the road and stopping, going no further, but I’ve always kept on, never slowing down” (77).
“She is lying on the single bed, eyes open, dilated, Oh, man. Cool to touch. Rigor in the jaw. The needle on the bed, inches from her hand” (131). This description of the scene Canning walked into is very well written. I enjoy the fact that he described the scene so the reader could make an assumption of how this woman died instead of just saying she over dosed on heroin. I think the author does this on purpose to keep the reader engaged and thinking.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, especially to a high school student that is interested in the medical field. Reading about what someone has encountered while being a paramedic can give the reader a better idea on whether or not being a paramedic is something they’d be interested in. This novel also has qualities to inform the reader of the impacts of being distracted while driving, drinking and drug use and domestic violence which unfortunately is a present in today’s world.

[Dan Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books lets the reader see through the eyes of a paramedic. Peter Canning shares with us his feelings, his frustrations, his joys, and his love of his profession. As you progress through the book you start to see his feelings towards his patients and how he slowly starts to "burnout" from all the BS calls, needless deaths, and people who no longer care about society. Then he tells us his joys of passing a legacy of his mentors to his own student, an honor I would like to do someday. As an EMT, I have only seen 1% of the things Mr. Canning writes about but I feel the same emotions he felt when I encountered the same patients. There are also some EMS slang terms that I thought was really funny, like "peanut butter balls." Only EMS people know what that stands for.

[sequoia spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

this i pulled off my shelf to be my first read of 2024.. it did not disappoint.. i have always enjoyed the behind the scenes story telling of EMS and the likes.. what i most liked about the book, was near the end when the author talks about burnout & complacency.. putting himself on the line and holding himself accountable for his dulled internal reactions, is very commendable.. not only do we get an inside look at the workings of a paramedic but the inner workings of a human being that sees the worst of people.. really good read..

[Georg · Rating 5 out of 5]

just as great as Peter Cannings first book, i love how he describes the calls and the emotions involved, as well as his own personal evolution throughout the years he's been a Paramedic.

[Gail Johnson, Ph.D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is about some of Peter's experiences as a paramedic that were serious and funny. My favorite was the snake girl.

[Hannah Rushlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book. I recognized a lot of the names mentioned in the book. One of them actually being my dad. A great read for sure!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading EMS-type stories, and this time was no different. I have read both of Peter Canning's books and I found them both an enjoyable read. I feel like his perspective is akin to my own, as he left a career in public policy to become a paramedic, while I also work in public policy and moonlight as an EMT. Essentially a collection of essays compiled into a book, it's not really a narrative so much as a work intended to convey the realities of what faces the modern EMS system. Occasionally it tends toward the overly dramatic, perhaps reaching too far to try to make the connection between a particular story and what is says about the human condition. However, the point is well made that you can learn a lot about what our society really values by spending some time in the back of an ambulance.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having worked in medical settings during my career as a cardiovascular tech and working with first responders, nurses and doctors on scene and in the hospital, the actions and responses are spot on. I particularly like Mr. Canning's description and discussion of burnout and how he returns to find that he is doing what he's meant to do and how much he loves his job. Patient care and putting the safety of the patient first is the one thing that keeps people in these jobs, definitely not the pay and definitely not the so-called fame and glory. These folks work hard, work long hours and carry the job home with them. It's just what it is. Mr. Canning has done an outstanding job describing his working conditions, taking care of his patients and taking care of his coworkers and himself. A very good read.

[Beth Cato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this for the purpose of researching paramedics for my forthcoming novel. The reviews on Amazon were quite good, and I can see why - this is a fast read, filled with information and action. The author writes of his experiences as a paramedic in Hartford, Connecticutt. It's not glorifying, either. He gets all matter of fluid spewed on him, he's cussed out, and goes through a period of severe burn-out. Most EMTs are young, in part because they burn-out within a few years. There is medical terminology laced throughout but it's handled so that a layman can understand what's going on - which is exactly what I needed.[return][return]If you are fascinated by real emergency medicine, get this.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and enjoyable read that touched a personal note for me, since the author works in my home country of Hartford. This book just showcased some of the worst things about a city so close to my town: the drugs, gangs, violence, poverty obesity, child abuse. I know many other places see these things too, but it seems in CT these things are sadly so common that the problems go ignored. the stories in this book show this; a drunk/heroin addict that goes to the hospital go detox every day (paid for by the state of course), 500lb people who can't care for themselves, drug addled parents whose kids witness their deprivation. sad tales, but still they made for an enlightening story of men and women trying to care for a city that needs alot of help

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short stories about what it is like to be a Paramedic. Peter Canning tells about the calls and what he is thinking and what is going on with the patient. They are raw, sad and sometimes gross stories. Very few of them has a follow up on what happen to the patient after they are dropped off at the hospital. I would have liked the rest of he story but it is written about Paramedic and the ambulance ride and not what happen after. I am a little disappointed but understand so I will give it three stars.

[Cabracrazy18 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book. It's an easy read and has a fast pace, but really, it's depressing. Half the book is expressing the authors displeasure with the system and how badly they are treated by the powers that be. Sure, he comes around full circle and explains how much he loves his job, but it still brings you down. The flaw here is it's too realistic, talking about burn-out and children dying. Again, I DO like this book, but don't read it expecting a pick-me-up.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sequel to Peter's Paramedic book. This one was another fantastic book, covered alot of the use and abuse of the Hartford EMS system. Showed alot of insight on what they do in the ambulances and all of the calls they run. Was very interesting and HILARIOUS at times! I recommend you get this book, also Peter keeps an updated blog if you're interested
www.medicscribe.blogspot.com

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Great follow up to his first book. Has story after story of his calls, those he works with, and the fight for EMS funding and staffing. However, the best part is his description of how he veers from burning out by rediscovering his love of the job and his passion for helping people. Highly recommended.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the stories of life as a paramedic. As a volunteer EMT, I found them to be very accurate. he also spent a lot of time on the emotional issues of guilt and burnout that so many (all?) of us face dealing with this kind of work day in day out for years. Some gore, but not as bad as an EMT textbook!

[Hilarry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very personal look at a man’s perspective on his career of a paramedic. Highlights how the system is being abused and the burnout of the job. I applaud our paramedics as they work hard and like the character they still try to put on a professional demeanor despite the burnout and ptsd this job gives them.

[Susan Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

Reading this. As a old rural emt it's fun to know that city life is pretty comperable to rural. Well maybe not hiking into 70 yr old with broken femur who had been out all night after horse accident all alone. He was tougher than we were btw

[Cathal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what it's like to work on an ambulance. We're EMTs and medics, not ambulance drivers. This book is perfect.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to the other book by Peter Canning, "Paramedic". I found this book to be better than his original. Again, an excellent book to read for the budding EMT or Paramedic.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of a person that finds what he loves by just a sudden chance glance out the window.

[Jean]

A follow-up to "Paramedic: On the Front Lines of Medicine" by Peter Canning.

[Mike Cyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for insights into the world of Emergency Medical Services.Experienced paramedic and writer.

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! Peter Canning infuses a sense of humor into his books while keeping it real. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll grit your teeth with anger- but above all you'll enjoy the read!!

[Jennifer Dumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book by a great man and mentor

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting! Made me want to be a paramedic.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was FANTASTIC. It made me laugh and it made me want to cry. Unbelievably accurate account of what it's like to work in EMS.

[Katelynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, love the short parts. Like how it gives some explanation of terms for those not even close in the field. Cool