EMS: The Job of Your Life

by Devin Kerins

You hear sirens wailing behind and pull to the side just as the ambulance breezes past you at a seemingly break-neck speed. You see through the rear windows, the EMT inside is laughing as he converses with the patient. Have you ever wondered what goes on inside? Here is your chance to climb inside and see what really happens beneath the sirens. EMS: The Job of Your Life takes you behind the wheel and into the heart of chaos as you read about the ups and downs of one of the most dangerous professions in the world. - Kindle Version.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2002

About the author

Devin Kerins is a career paramedic and emergency manager from New Jersey who parlayed his experiences on ambulances, eye for detail, and twisted sense of humor into writing. After writing two books of EMS anecdotes, he has turned his attention to writing outrageously funny action novels. When he is not writing or saving lives, you can usually find him reading, watching reruns of bad 1980's sitcoms, or figuring out ways to rid the world of the dreaded Asian Longhorn Beetle.

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Reviews

[Jerilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written mostly in an anecdotal format, this book (and sequels) could not be more realistic to the field. At least for New Jersey EMS. It is full of humor, some gore, and too much truth to the field that I often find myself missing working emergency services, being a retired EMT myself. I've read reviews on Devin's books and some had given poor remarks, saying that he's given the field a poor image with what he had written and portrayed, but I could not disagree more.

This is how the field was that I remember. If you took everything so seriously, you would go home at the end of the night and become so worn and burnt out by the job that it would be so unhealthy that you would need to find some other way of coping with what you dealt with. The job isn't glamorous. It often pays like crap, and you deal with little more than crap. And if you got into the field for the money, then you were an idiot. You need to do a job because you love it otherwise you become bitter and take it out on your patients and colleagues.

I enjoyed the job. I had gotten into the field because I wanted to help people. I didn't mind that I wasn't getting paid a lot. I got paid enough. At the end of the day, if I was able to make an old lady feel better by taking her out of the nursing home from a rude nurse for a pointless trip to the emergency room, then I did my job.

There are so many experiences in this book (and the sequels) that I can relate to. I even had my grandmother read them. She had asked me if I had dealt with anything like them when I was on the road, and when I admitted to it, she could not believe it, and she was happy that I was out of the field. Of course, she was overprotective and didn't quite like my chosen career at the time, but I was happy and sadly my back no longer agreed. I continue helping people in my new field, where it's much safer indoors, but I do recommend these books to anyone wanting a good laugh and idea of true EMS in New Jersey.

[Dan Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devin mixes raw honesty and self-effacing humor to create a blend of stories that really captures the essence of the EMS worker. The chapter on radio transmissions left me wondering how I sound when I use my radio. The chapter on his random thoughts on life and his glossary had me cracking up and repeating them at work. I highly recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in EMS! Simply Amazing!

[Andrew Niemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll readily admit that I glossed over some of the more introspective portions of the book, but there was plenty of "meat" to keep me engaged. I've been in EMS for over 24 years, and I really enjoy when I find someone who can capture the essence of "that type of call" in a few words - got a few good chuckles (and a couple of curious glances from my wife's). This author has the rare combination of interesting EMS stories to tell and the ability to put those tales to paper. I'm glad I picked up the book.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical! What more can you say? No, it's not a dramatic, self-indugled hero worship like many other EMS books. He doesn't try to paint himself in a great light. Devin's honest, open, and not afraid to speak his mind. Just like many of the other paramedics I know. I keep a copy at the station and the binding is fraying from all the people who have picked it up to read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Love the sense of humour (Cause it is like mine :-p and everyone else in EMS). Crazy stories. Never a dull moment in this career. I can relate to some of the calls in the book. It is now being passed around the station for my peeps to read and enjoy it too.

[Robert Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always love this book the most out of all of them because I can remember most of the stories as they happended for the first time. Devon is a very creative writer a great medic and good friend. we will always share some great college memories.

[Jamie Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Detailed Aspects of the profession that is EMS. From silly to serious , to exciting to boring, this book is a GREAT read for anyone considering a profession in the world of EMS. I am wanting to go into EMS and this book helped me make my decision FINAL.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one got it as a christmas gift. Great read. He writes a lot like I think. His skill in writting paints a great picture of what we do on the ambulance and what exactly we are thinking!!