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The Other Side of the Gurney: Stories and Reflections of a 911 Paramedic
Have you ever called 911? Have you ever needed the care and support of an emergency responder? What is it like to be on “The Other Side of the Gurney”? With the “knife and gun club” area of a large centrally located California city providing the backdrop, this collection of true stories explores the question of what it’s like to be the person who responds to 911 calls. Twenty-five years of experience working as a Paramedic and a Registered Nurse exposes the true-life drama, laughter, excitement, and pain of the patients who ended up on the gurney and the human side of the people who treat them.
Humor is paramount and an integral part of the retelling of the stories ranging from the overweight, spandex loving, ‘frequent flyer’ with a “spida’ bite” to the gang member who cried because he didn’t want his Mother to find out he had been shot. Fundamentals of love are manifest in the story of the couple married for 80 years. The all too often sharing of grief with strangers is buffered by the joy of childbirth in the surprise birth of twins. The woman who shared her home with over 200 cats exemplifies profound denial. These stories illuminate a very human journey shared and lessons learned by those on both sides of the gurney.
Humor is paramount and an integral part of the retelling of the stories ranging from the overweight, spandex loving, ‘frequent flyer’ with a “spida’ bite” to the gang member who cried because he didn’t want his Mother to find out he had been shot. Fundamentals of love are manifest in the story of the couple married for 80 years. The all too often sharing of grief with strangers is buffered by the joy of childbirth in the surprise birth of twins. The woman who shared her home with over 200 cats exemplifies profound denial. These stories illuminate a very human journey shared and lessons learned by those on both sides of the gurney.
- GenresNonfiction
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
52 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 21, 2015
Great book!
I chose this book because I enjoy reading true stories of the medical genre. The author did a great job of transmitting her feelings about those aged cared for in her medical career. I highly recommend this book.
I chose this book because I enjoy reading true stories of the medical genre. The author did a great job of transmitting her feelings about those aged cared for in her medical career. I highly recommend this book.
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August 2, 2015This was a quick and easy read. The author shared events and then gave her insight into the working of emotions and reasoning during traumatic events. Just did not grab my attention.
July 28, 2017
Bless all these unsung heroes!
Good read, lots of introspective bits that makes one really appreciate our First Responders above and beyond the jobs they do. Its more than a job, and can often cost them their lives. I once was pretty sure most Americans aren't so ignorant and hateful then I got old. Now? God bless these people for putting up with ingrates and crazies. We're all sick at one time or another and it would be great if, in their infinite wisdom our burgeoning bureaucracy would demand that every kid in junior high and again in high school take lessons in "when NOT to go to ER and when NOT to call 911!" But then, I am being sarcastic ... wisdom and bureaucracy just can't be in the same sentence! Thank the stars and moon for EMTs everywhere!
Good read, lots of introspective bits that makes one really appreciate our First Responders above and beyond the jobs they do. Its more than a job, and can often cost them their lives. I once was pretty sure most Americans aren't so ignorant and hateful then I got old. Now? God bless these people for putting up with ingrates and crazies. We're all sick at one time or another and it would be great if, in their infinite wisdom our burgeoning bureaucracy would demand that every kid in junior high and again in high school take lessons in "when NOT to go to ER and when NOT to call 911!" But then, I am being sarcastic ... wisdom and bureaucracy just can't be in the same sentence! Thank the stars and moon for EMTs everywhere!
September 2, 2018
amazing stories! loved every page.
It was like a ridealong! Not a boring page in this book.well written.Excitement and surprise in ever call.Loved it! well worth reading.
It was like a ridealong! Not a boring page in this book.well written.Excitement and surprise in ever call.Loved it! well worth reading.
March 12, 2017
This is the best book that I have ever read!
This book is a real-life peak into the life of an extraordinary nurse and her work in the ER, hospital ICU, and emergency rescue. This nurse is a shining example of professionalism, knowledge, kindness, and love for her patients and their loved ones. It felt like this was written about me and my years of experience as a nurse while working in many different environments. I ,too, love people and have had many experiences that echo the ones in this book. Brilliant writing and, yes, my favorite story was the mermaid.
This book is a real-life peak into the life of an extraordinary nurse and her work in the ER, hospital ICU, and emergency rescue. This nurse is a shining example of professionalism, knowledge, kindness, and love for her patients and their loved ones. It felt like this was written about me and my years of experience as a nurse while working in many different environments. I ,too, love people and have had many experiences that echo the ones in this book. Brilliant writing and, yes, my favorite story was the mermaid.
June 24, 2020
Very well written and so enjoyable. I enjoyed the stories written with honesty and the way she paints a picture so you can see what she has seen. Great read.
October 16, 2015
Fantastic Read
This is a must read for anybody going into, or already in, direct patient care. Her stories really bring out so much thought and I found myself really looking at myself in reflection in terms of caring for others. This book would also be an amazing read for teaching empathy and viewing everybody as an individual with their own unique stories. I also have a newfound respect for paramedics and will never look at them the same. If I can be even half the healthcare professional she is when I finish school, I would be honored.
This is a must read for anybody going into, or already in, direct patient care. Her stories really bring out so much thought and I found myself really looking at myself in reflection in terms of caring for others. This book would also be an amazing read for teaching empathy and viewing everybody as an individual with their own unique stories. I also have a newfound respect for paramedics and will never look at them the same. If I can be even half the healthcare professional she is when I finish school, I would be honored.
February 25, 2016
Stories of a nurse's experience with thoughtful reflections
I enjoyed reading this book, because the author's experiences are
Told with humor, as well as compassion. Her thoughts and feelings about her experiences are included in following chapters, revealing a mature view of the patients with whom she dealt.
I enjoyed reading this book, because the author's experiences are
Told with humor, as well as compassion. Her thoughts and feelings about her experiences are included in following chapters, revealing a mature view of the patients with whom she dealt.
November 22, 2015
A well written quick read.
February 13, 2016
Book has insight into the feeling of ancillary medical support prsonnel. She shows emotions yet good insight into the emotions of EMTs. Easy and exciting to read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews