The Dark Side Part 2: Real Life Accounts of an NHS Paramedic The Traumatic, the Tragic and the Tearful

by Andy Thompson

Following up on his well-received first book, Andy Thompson provides another captivating, thought-provoking and at times intense glimpse into the daily life of a Paramedic working in the UK's National Health Service. In the style of his first book, Andy recalls each event from the detailed documentation recorded at the time, each account written in a way that puts the reader right there next to him so that you live the events in realtime, hear the dialogue between paramedics, patient, their loved ones and other healthcare professionals as it would have been, and share in Andy's thought processes during each of the ten very different situations he encounters. The term 'The Dark Side' describes the frontline emergency aspect of the Ambulance Service, since paramedics frequently experience sombre situations. In 'The Dark Side, Part 2' you will share in some truly traumatic, tragic and tearful events involving a seemingly vibrant, healthy young patient, a prison inmate, the victims of an horrific car crash, heart attacks, a frightening epileptic fit, the alarming effects of an allergic reaction, and what can happen when under-strain doctors prescribe the wrong medication. But there's still room for lighthearted moments and a taste of the sometimes dark humour that allows paramedics to continually deal with events most of us would find too horrific. The detail in the descriptions of the care given to each patient on-scene by Andy and his colleagues will have you marvelling at the ability of these healthcare professionals to work at such speed of thought, buying enough time to deliver a patient into the specialist hands of hospital care and often full recovery. Of course there are inevitably also those times when tears of hope turn to tears of despair for loved ones. You cannot feel that pain until it happens to you, but this book will bring you mighty close to it at times.

Genres: Medical, Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography, Biography, Health Care, Medicine

222 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2014

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the same vein as the first volume, this provides some interesting behind the scenes insight into an important profession. Thompson isn't the most skilled writer, which shows in the occasional odd phrasing or questionable bit of grammar, but if you're curious to see what life as a paramedic is like, this is a quick and informative read.

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Tales of Difficult Cases

This book is a follow up from the first Dark Side book by the author detailing some difficult cases he experienced as a British paramedic. As with the other book, it is heartwarming, heartbreaking and very informative of what a medical professional must deal with every day. The author has a great deal of compassion and it shows. Do note that this series, (dark and light side) are written using British terms, so some of the phrasing may be new to fellow yanks. This book is also available on audio, with excellent narration. Very informative and a window into the healthcare profession. Now that I have completed the Dark Side, its time for the Light Side version of his paramedic series!

[Colin Murtagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of two books by the author on his life as a paramedic, and this one continues on in the same vein as the first.
The stories fly, in the same conversational manner, although this time, there's a touch more of the authors thoughts coming through. Whereas the first book was purely stories, this one does have some of his thoughts on the state of the NHS, and the issues around it.
Again, there's a lot in the book that you can learn from, and it's not just the medicine. It had never occurred to me how difficult it could be to find a house, where the houses have names instead of numbers.
This is a perfect companion to the first book.

[Stefanie O'dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tells His Stories Extremely Well

I loved this book and his first book. I love how Andy stresses the need for compassionate care to all patients, and tells his stories either tragic or funny with utmost respect for his patients. If you don’t understand medical terminology or have a grasp on the British way of talking medically, consult the glossary in the back of the book to help. Some of the terminology is a bit different than American terminology. I would recommend this book to anyone interested or in the medical field. Thank you, Andy for your books.

[Nigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as Part 1

A brilliant account of life and death at the frontline of the NHS ambulance service. A good read for anyone with even the slightest interest in the world of emergency care.

[G M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit like the first book, this was ok, but written in an odd style. It’s a bit like a textbook or someone defending themselves in court. The examples were interesting, even if the author is a bit too self-important for my liking.

[Mark]

this book was an even better read than the first it is exactly the thing to read in today's climate of sadness some times truth can be even funnier than fiction and this is one of those cases. Andys books should be on sale in hospitals to cheer patients up

[Paige (TheBookVulture) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick, easy read from this author. Spends some time talking about some of the requirements and pressures the NHS places on its staff. Some more interesting, gross, gory, sad, funny, and uplifting stories recounted here.

[Samantha Fretwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab book, such a good read and shows truth behind the he service

Definitely a must read along with Andy's other two books showing the hard work of the nhs and true stories

[loz Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again a must read

If you enjoyed the 1st book then you have to read this! Brilliant once again, have too love Andy's style of writing

[KAREN RUDDERHAM · Rating 3 out of 5]

No headline

Bit mundane, sometimes felt like i was in a tutorial. Wouldnt read another by this author but was ok. I've read better

[Joven Koh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation of book 1

[Natasha Jelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite similar to the first book but still a great read, I think I enjoyed it more because I understood the lingo. Very capturing.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read , couldn't put it down . Read both books now Part 1 & second book which is this one part 2. Would highly recommend

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great prequel, found it a good insight to some degree surrounding the mess room prior to going out on placement

[Chloe Bagnall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read via Audible.

Good but there was a lot of repetition from “The Dark Side” book 1 and “The Lighter Side” books.

[Rose Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Top Set of Accounts from Front Line Staff

After reading the original book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one.

Another set of laugh/cry/shock stories from an experienced paramedic. To satisfy any medically interested/morbid curiosity personality.

I await eagerly for book 3!

[Andrew Niemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the good stuff; just like book 1.