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On Scene: More Stories of Life, Death and Everything In Between
“Joy and tragedy are flip sides of the same coin. If you insulate yourself against the pain of feeling one, you deny yourself the ability to feel the other.” ~ Kelly Grayson
En Route showed you the beginning, now On Scene gives you an insider’s view into the growth of a man and a medic. No longer the idealistic and often arrogant medic he was, an older and wiser Kelly Grayson continues the stories of a career spent serving humanity at its worst – and best. On Scene brings us more of Grayson’s unique blend of humor and tragedy, pathos and profanity, an unflinching look at what it means to be a paramedic. From the elation of restoring a pulse where there was none moments before to the pain of telling a family that their loved one has died, Grayson shows us the power and the passion of being a responder and the struggle to retain his humanity when the tragedy he sees threatens to burn it away entirely.
En Route showed you the beginning, now On Scene gives you an insider’s view into the growth of a man and a medic. No longer the idealistic and often arrogant medic he was, an older and wiser Kelly Grayson continues the stories of a career spent serving humanity at its worst – and best. On Scene brings us more of Grayson’s unique blend of humor and tragedy, pathos and profanity, an unflinching look at what it means to be a paramedic. From the elation of restoring a pulse where there was none moments before to the pain of telling a family that their loved one has died, Grayson shows us the power and the passion of being a responder and the struggle to retain his humanity when the tragedy he sees threatens to burn it away entirely.
- GenresMedical
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2023
145 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 27, 2023
A very good book with an even better ending.
Of the two EMS memoirs I've read which were written by Mr. Grayson, off-the-cuff I'd say I liked the predecessor to this book a tiny bit more than En Route, the book I'm reviewing here. But that would be a betrayal of the truth, because in reality, this one is the better of the two. And that's really saying something, because this book's predecessor was an exceptional tale.
If I was reviewing a fictional book series, I would say that over the course of these two books, the protagonist had a very satisfying character arc as he developed and grew as a person. Does the term "character arc" still apply in non-fiction books? He lived, learned, and developed as a human being. While he isn't blatantly "tooting his own horn" in this regard, the reader gets to witness a good man become a great man; more mature, wise, and well-rounded as a human being.
The author (and main character in this tale) has a low tolerance for bullshit and willful incompetence. Some people would regard that as a character flaw, but it's just one of many reasons I think I'd get along nicely with this person if we happened to cross paths.
The ending of the book is touching and satisfying.
I highly recommend you buy a copy today.
Of the two EMS memoirs I've read which were written by Mr. Grayson, off-the-cuff I'd say I liked the predecessor to this book a tiny bit more than En Route, the book I'm reviewing here. But that would be a betrayal of the truth, because in reality, this one is the better of the two. And that's really saying something, because this book's predecessor was an exceptional tale.
If I was reviewing a fictional book series, I would say that over the course of these two books, the protagonist had a very satisfying character arc as he developed and grew as a person. Does the term "character arc" still apply in non-fiction books? He lived, learned, and developed as a human being. While he isn't blatantly "tooting his own horn" in this regard, the reader gets to witness a good man become a great man; more mature, wise, and well-rounded as a human being.
The author (and main character in this tale) has a low tolerance for bullshit and willful incompetence. Some people would regard that as a character flaw, but it's just one of many reasons I think I'd get along nicely with this person if we happened to cross paths.
The ending of the book is touching and satisfying.
I highly recommend you buy a copy today.
September 8, 2023
Best Yet
When Kelly releases a book I buy it. Sometimes I read it right away, sometimes it sits in the Kindle library a few weeks first. But I know I’m going to enjoy the book (and question his use of the word “presently”). This is no exception, excellent as always.
However this book is … different. Like the first, it is plainly autobiographical in nature. But unlike the first, he gives readers a glimpse into his mind. He talks of his struggles in areas other than paramedicine. He doesn’t hide his shortcomings in a character’s flaws in a novel. He puts it out there. And that’s a brave move.
I don’t know Mr. Grayson. I happened across a podcast he used to do (Confessions of an EMS Newbie) and enjoyed listening. In fact I went to EMT school as a result of the podcast. That lead me to reading his blog and other writings, then his books, and his other podcast. Through all of that I gained a sense of who he really was. But after reading this I feel like I actually know him.
When Kelly releases a book I buy it. Sometimes I read it right away, sometimes it sits in the Kindle library a few weeks first. But I know I’m going to enjoy the book (and question his use of the word “presently”). This is no exception, excellent as always.
However this book is … different. Like the first, it is plainly autobiographical in nature. But unlike the first, he gives readers a glimpse into his mind. He talks of his struggles in areas other than paramedicine. He doesn’t hide his shortcomings in a character’s flaws in a novel. He puts it out there. And that’s a brave move.
I don’t know Mr. Grayson. I happened across a podcast he used to do (Confessions of an EMS Newbie) and enjoyed listening. In fact I went to EMT school as a result of the podcast. That lead me to reading his blog and other writings, then his books, and his other podcast. Through all of that I gained a sense of who he really was. But after reading this I feel like I actually know him.
July 29, 2023
Another excellent offering from Kelly Grayson
Kelly tells the all-too-human story of being a rural EMS provider in Louisiana. Through his tales, we learn the reality of EMS... Not what you see on TV, but the simple truth what goes on every day throughout the USA. Kelly helps us understand the unsung heroes of modern day healthcare. He leads us on this journey, alternately howling with laughter at his hijinks and weeping as he bears witness to the tragedies. Clear your calendar because you will read this book in an afternoon, as I did.
Kelly tells the all-too-human story of being a rural EMS provider in Louisiana. Through his tales, we learn the reality of EMS... Not what you see on TV, but the simple truth what goes on every day throughout the USA. Kelly helps us understand the unsung heroes of modern day healthcare. He leads us on this journey, alternately howling with laughter at his hijinks and weeping as he bears witness to the tragedies. Clear your calendar because you will read this book in an afternoon, as I did.
September 30, 2023
On Scene
I read Kelly first book when I was in paramedic school and loved it. I've read it many times since. On Scene held my attention from the first page till the last and proved to be a phenomenal follow up to En Route. The longer I've been in EMS, the more I can relate to his stories. And even if you're not in EMS, this is a great way to see how wonderful and dysfunctional we can be at the same time.
I read Kelly first book when I was in paramedic school and loved it. I've read it many times since. On Scene held my attention from the first page till the last and proved to be a phenomenal follow up to En Route. The longer I've been in EMS, the more I can relate to his stories. And even if you're not in EMS, this is a great way to see how wonderful and dysfunctional we can be at the same time.
January 19, 2024
On Scene
The life of a paramedic. Great book and the further I got into t, the more I liked it.
My favorite was the Taco Bell incident. I’m not going to say anything more about it. Other than it had me laughing out loud. But, read the book for yourself and you’ll come to it. And, I’m sure you’ll laugh like I did!
The life of a paramedic. Great book and the further I got into t, the more I liked it.
My favorite was the Taco Bell incident. I’m not going to say anything more about it. Other than it had me laughing out loud. But, read the book for yourself and you’ll come to it. And, I’m sure you’ll laugh like I did!
February 1, 2024
Real stories
Excellently written with good, old fashioned, dark medical humour. Enjoyable, especially if you have some medical background for the significance of a few stories and arguments to stand out.
Keep writing Kelly. It’s real, and it’s appreciated. Some of us wish we could put pen to paper to tell our stories like you have.
Excellently written with good, old fashioned, dark medical humour. Enjoyable, especially if you have some medical background for the significance of a few stories and arguments to stand out.
Keep writing Kelly. It’s real, and it’s appreciated. Some of us wish we could put pen to paper to tell our stories like you have.
July 30, 2023
well worth it!
Honest, sad, humorous, and touching. Kelly Grayson has come along way down the road of the paramedic. The quality of life is precious and he has worked hard to keep those people alive not always successful, but never giving up.
Honest, sad, humorous, and touching. Kelly Grayson has come along way down the road of the paramedic. The quality of life is precious and he has worked hard to keep those people alive not always successful, but never giving up.
December 12, 2023
Poignant and often riveting
I was on the fence about him after his first book, because of some of his remarks about women, but it’s become clear that while he doesn’t always say the right things or even think them, he shows up when people need him. And that is a calling.
I was on the fence about him after his first book, because of some of his remarks about women, but it’s become clear that while he doesn’t always say the right things or even think them, he shows up when people need him. And that is a calling.
February 29, 2024
Great!
This was a good read. It was real. Although I'm definitely not a fan of the profanity, I appreciate the heartfelt emotion this kind of service to others brings out in the author.
This was a good read. It was real. Although I'm definitely not a fan of the profanity, I appreciate the heartfelt emotion this kind of service to others brings out in the author.
August 1, 2023
Another amazing read!
Kelly has been a long time favorite of mine. His blend of life, humor and honesty about vague he is , is refreshing.
Kelly has been a long time favorite of mine. His blend of life, humor and honesty about vague he is , is refreshing.
September 21, 2023
wit and wisdom
Fun to read mixed with charming wit and fairly engrossing stories with good feel and insight into the paramedic life
Fun to read mixed with charming wit and fairly engrossing stories with good feel and insight into the paramedic life
January 14, 2024
More than I bargained for. Good book.
Looking for some escapist reading—ambulance stories. Got that and so much more. I recommend this memoir and am looking for his other book.
Looking for some escapist reading—ambulance stories. Got that and so much more. I recommend this memoir and am looking for his other book.
March 28, 2024
Great book
This is another wonderful Kelly Grayson book. Sad, funny, happy, and tragic stories written by a wonderful author and paramedic who tells it how it is.
This is another wonderful Kelly Grayson book. Sad, funny, happy, and tragic stories written by a wonderful author and paramedic who tells it how it is.
November 12, 2024
Intriguing look into this world.
November 15, 2024
entertaining book word word word
More words more word word word good book read it fun book to read so read it fifteen or twenty words
More words more word word word good book read it fun book to read so read it fifteen or twenty words
July 13, 2025
Witty, heartfelt
One of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m hoping that Kelly writes a new book soon. I’m following, and definitely a fan!
One of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m hoping that Kelly writes a new book soon. I’m following, and definitely a fan!
July 27, 2025
A few good stories
Too many F bombs for my liking. I guess in this new age the f word is supposed to be acceptable but I was not comfortable reading it over an over.
Too many F bombs for my liking. I guess in this new age the f word is supposed to be acceptable but I was not comfortable reading it over an over.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews