Into the Breach: A Year of Life and Death with EMS

by J.A. Karam

Into the Breach is the true story of paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and heavy-rescue specialists fighting to control trauma and medical emergencies in one of America's toughest and most violent Newark, New Jersey. A riveting account that hauls readers on a first-hand tour of street medicine today, Into the Breach shows what really happens inside an ambulance and some of the diverse and bizarre places EMS workers tread.

Through authentic accounts, every facet of emergency care is on display-from the first 911 call to patient discharge or death, including an exclusive look at what is perhaps the biggest decontamination operation ever conducted, which crews performed for victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

A hybrid profession that blends public safety and public health, EMS attracts careerists and volunteers from all sectors of society-from Boy Scouts and housewives to Fortune 500 vice presidents and work-fare recipients. The men and women that make up the Newark EMS graveyard shift, one of the busiest, full-time teams in the nation, are quintessential EMS intense, irreverent, hard-working action junkies who crave autonomy and the instant gratification of solving critical problems in real time. This unflinching profile hones in on award-winning EMS workers as well as those who pollute the industry, ironically, sometimes one and the same.

Into the Breach offers an unusual opportunity to bear witness to unimaginable suffering, heroic stoicism, and the inventiveness of American EMS workers fighting to save lives.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2002

Reviews

[Marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this. Thought the story telling was weak. I got through the first chapter and then went to the final chapter about 911. Think this would be better for those considering EMS as a career.

[Bridgette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really enjoyed this book, I feel that the author repeated some of her themes too frequently throughout the book. Also, this book paints a dim picture, albeit mostly true, that might deter an aspiring or fledgling EMT or Paramedic. However, I mostly enjoyed this book, especially the final chapter which chronicled EMS efforts in response to 9/11.

[Elizabeth Nesbit-comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do not envy these Ems workers. There is no way that I could lift a 300 pound guy down a flight of stairs. I bet they wish they could make the whole city go on a diet :)