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Ambulance Girl: How I Saved Myself By Becoming an EMT
Five years ago Jane Stern was a walking encyclopedia of panic attacks, depression, and hypochondria. Her marriage of more than thirty years was suffering, and she was virtually immobilized by fear and anxiety. As the daughter of parents who both died before she was thirty, Stern was terrified of illness and death, and despite the fact that her acclaimed career as a food and travel writer required her to spend a great deal of time on airplanes, she suffered from a persistent fear of flying and severe claustrophobia. But a strange thing happened one day on a plane that was grounded at the Minneapolis airport for six horrible, foodless, airless hours. A young man on a trip with his classmates suddenly became dizzy and pale because he hadn’t eaten in many hours, and there was no food left on the plane. Without thinking about it, Jane gave him the candy bar that she had in her purse. A short time later the color had returned to his cheeks, the boy was laughing again with his friends, and Jane realized that this one small act of kindness—helping another person who was suffering—had provided her with comfort and a sense of well-being.
It was shortly thereafter that this fifty-two-year-old writer decided to become an emergency medical technician, eventually coming to be known as Ambulance Girl. Stern tells her story with great humor and poignancy, creating a wonderful portrait of a middle-aged, Woody Allen–ish woman who was “deeply and neurotically terrified of sick and dead people,” but who went out into the world to save other people’s lives as a way of saving her own. Her story begins with the boot camp of EMT training: 140 hours at the hands of a dour ex-marine who took delight in presenting a veritable parade of amputations, hideous deformities, and gross disasters. Jane—overweight and badly out of shape—had to surmount physical challenges like carrying a 250-pound man seated in a chair down a dark flight of stairs. After class she did rounds in the emergency room of a local hospital, where she attended to a schizophrenic kickboxer who had tried to kill his mother that morning and a stockbroker who was taken off the commuter train to Manhattan with delirium tremens so bad it killed him.
Each call Stern describes is a vignette of human nature, often with a life in the balance. From an AIDS hospice to town drunks, yuppie wife beaters to psychopaths, Jane comes to see the true nature and underlying mysteries of a town she had called home for twenty years. Throughout the book we follow her as she gets her sea legs and finally bonds with the burly, handsome firefighters who become her colleagues. At the end, she is named the first woman officer of the department—a triumph we joyously share with her.
Ambulance Girl is an inspiring story by a woman who found, somewhat late in life, that “in helping others I learned to help myself.” It is a book to be treasured and shared.
It was shortly thereafter that this fifty-two-year-old writer decided to become an emergency medical technician, eventually coming to be known as Ambulance Girl. Stern tells her story with great humor and poignancy, creating a wonderful portrait of a middle-aged, Woody Allen–ish woman who was “deeply and neurotically terrified of sick and dead people,” but who went out into the world to save other people’s lives as a way of saving her own. Her story begins with the boot camp of EMT training: 140 hours at the hands of a dour ex-marine who took delight in presenting a veritable parade of amputations, hideous deformities, and gross disasters. Jane—overweight and badly out of shape—had to surmount physical challenges like carrying a 250-pound man seated in a chair down a dark flight of stairs. After class she did rounds in the emergency room of a local hospital, where she attended to a schizophrenic kickboxer who had tried to kill his mother that morning and a stockbroker who was taken off the commuter train to Manhattan with delirium tremens so bad it killed him.
Each call Stern describes is a vignette of human nature, often with a life in the balance. From an AIDS hospice to town drunks, yuppie wife beaters to psychopaths, Jane comes to see the true nature and underlying mysteries of a town she had called home for twenty years. Throughout the book we follow her as she gets her sea legs and finally bonds with the burly, handsome firefighters who become her colleagues. At the end, she is named the first woman officer of the department—a triumph we joyously share with her.
Ambulance Girl is an inspiring story by a woman who found, somewhat late in life, that “in helping others I learned to help myself.” It is a book to be treasured and shared.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
199 people are currently reading
1450 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
April 25, 2011
Having listened to Jane and her husband for years on NPR, I was quite surprised to find that she authored this book. A friend, who is an EMT, loaned this book to me. I am currently in an EMT-basic class and she thought I would enjoy it. I found I have so much in common with Jane. We are both middle aged women who chose to stretch our worlds by taking on a role in pre-hospital emergency care.
Really good read for those who are involved in emergency care or for those who could never imagine doing it. Great for anyone who wonders what it would be like to completely step out of your own life.
Really good read for those who are involved in emergency care or for those who could never imagine doing it. Great for anyone who wonders what it would be like to completely step out of your own life.
May 27, 2008
Loved loved loved this book! I could not put it down--I read it in one day! Jane Stern is fighting depression and a series of phobias (that we learn stem from a challenging and sad childhood as well as family background) so at the age of 53 she decides to become an EMT! Reminiscent of Michael Perry's writing in "Population: 485" we laugh and cry as Jane takes all her coursework in the first half of the book and then puts her knowledge to practice in the second half of the book. She is so appreciative about what she is learning and so observant of the personal dynamics around her. It is wonderful! And by the end you are so proud of her accomplishments and how she has risen above all the negative things that were holding her back. She finds a sense of community with the other EMTs that she never had before. Powerful stuff! It makes you ask, "How can I do something brave?" Funnily, Jane and her husband are regular contributors to "A Splendid Table" on NPR. So if you want to hear what her voice sounds like, you can hear it on there!
April 3, 2017
I read this book partly because it was by a local author and I enjoyed it more because I knew all the locations where it takes place. An honest memoir which should inspire women of a certain age who are in the doldrums, because the author saves herself by enrolling to become an EMT. Good for her!
September 10, 2018
Not what I expected
I bought this book because I thought it would delve deeper into how becoming an EMT saved her but it was more of a story of the process of becoming one.
I bought this book because I thought it would delve deeper into how becoming an EMT saved her but it was more of a story of the process of becoming one.
October 26, 2012
The stories about her EMT calls were interesting, but the endless talk of her depression, phobias, and other issues were too distracting. Woe Is Ambulance Girl.
I realize the author was trying to show the contrast between what she initially thought she could handle & what she ultimately had to do as an EMT. However, she constantly cast herself in a girly, "I'm too rich and scared of everything, and my custom cowboy boots are too fancy to deal with vomit" light that was really off-putting and always brought you back to the question of why the hell would someone like that (debilitating fears and all) choose to be a paramedic?
It seemed like every time the reader is able to feel good about Jane responding well to a call, Stern then had to berate herself for something else and remind the reader that she is still battling her fears, blaming her poor home life, & suffering in her marriage. *sigh*
We just want to be happy for you, Jane! It's cool that you became an EMT in your 50s despite being terrified to ride on a bus much less in an ambulance. Stop trying to convince us you're really a wimp because it just brings us down...
Coarsely written, sprinkled with a few typos. Decent, quick read for the interesting 911 calls.
I realize the author was trying to show the contrast between what she initially thought she could handle & what she ultimately had to do as an EMT. However, she constantly cast herself in a girly, "I'm too rich and scared of everything, and my custom cowboy boots are too fancy to deal with vomit" light that was really off-putting and always brought you back to the question of why the hell would someone like that (debilitating fears and all) choose to be a paramedic?
It seemed like every time the reader is able to feel good about Jane responding well to a call, Stern then had to berate herself for something else and remind the reader that she is still battling her fears, blaming her poor home life, & suffering in her marriage. *sigh*
We just want to be happy for you, Jane! It's cool that you became an EMT in your 50s despite being terrified to ride on a bus much less in an ambulance. Stop trying to convince us you're really a wimp because it just brings us down...
Coarsely written, sprinkled with a few typos. Decent, quick read for the interesting 911 calls.
February 6, 2010
I grabbed this book from a display at the library. I am familiar with the writing of Jane and Michael Stern--and their food writing is generally better!
Not that the writing was bad--this is a fast, interesting, and easy read. I found the really good parts to be those about the training, actual calls (even those that are wasted time--because those are a very real part of the job), and continuing ed. Those parts having to do with marital problems and the author's depression and loneliness were a bit too much. Or there just WAS too much--I am aware of the subtitle. But I think the Prozac and good therapist probably played a big part.
Worth the read if you enjoy this sort of thing, but not Earth-shattering.
Not that the writing was bad--this is a fast, interesting, and easy read. I found the really good parts to be those about the training, actual calls (even those that are wasted time--because those are a very real part of the job), and continuing ed. Those parts having to do with marital problems and the author's depression and loneliness were a bit too much. Or there just WAS too much--I am aware of the subtitle. But I think the Prozac and good therapist probably played a big part.
Worth the read if you enjoy this sort of thing, but not Earth-shattering.
January 15, 2013
I usually love stories about EMTs, but this one is too full of the author's personal anxieties. I think those anecdotes are meant to be endearing and humanizing and motivating to anyone so inclined (yes, even you, riddled with neuroses!) could go out and do good in the world and good for Jane, (really! she's doing a wonderful thing, I do applaud her for that) but I found the navel gazing off-putting. Also, the fawning over the gorgeous hunks of firefighters is something you should maybe keep to yourself.
March 28, 2020
2020 bk 112: I've been a fan of the food writings of Jane and Michael Stern for quite some time. This book is a total departure from that genre and instead allows you an intimate look into Jane's personal family history and her personal salvation. To put it bluntly, Jane was severely traumatized as a young girl (her father was verbally abusive and stalked she and her mother when they left him-and this phrase is mild compared to what it really did to Jane.) Despite years of counseling, it wasn't until her personal crisis point (stuck inside a plane for 6 hours on a tarmac) and her counselor asking - "Was there any point where you felt in control? - that Jane realized she felt her best when helping others. So at age 50+, despite her fears, Jane enrolled in a class to become an EMT with her local volunteer fire department. This is her story of conquering fears (it is a process folks) and learning to live again.
I heartily recommend this book. I spend one day of self quarantine to read this and it was well worth it.
I heartily recommend this book. I spend one day of self quarantine to read this and it was well worth it.
July 4, 2025
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the action scenes, learning about the training and all the patients she interacted with. While I acknowledge that her depression and mental problems must have played a huge role in her decision to become an EMT, this book felt more like a book talking about her mental health rather than becoming an EMT. It felt more like Depression Girl than Ambulance Girl.
This book certainly did increase my interest in the EMT profession, but it wasn't ground breaking. It was a fun and fascinating read though!
I really enjoyed the action scenes, learning about the training and all the patients she interacted with. While I acknowledge that her depression and mental problems must have played a huge role in her decision to become an EMT, this book felt more like a book talking about her mental health rather than becoming an EMT. It felt more like Depression Girl than Ambulance Girl.
This book certainly did increase my interest in the EMT profession, but it wasn't ground breaking. It was a fun and fascinating read though!
June 26, 2017
I like seeing things from Jane Stern's point of view. She tells the stories in a way that is so easy for me to get into. Recurring theme of an only child wanting to be a part of a family. Some of my favorite parts:
35: "I was immediately good in [EMT] class, but it was only because I knew the bones of the body from my years as an art student. Art was what I had majored in as an undergraduate as well as a grad student for seven academic years (about as long as it takes to become a medical doctor). I sketched and painted the human body. I came to know it draped and disrobed, fat and thin, young and old. I especially loved anatomy, loved tracing my hand across the ivory bones of the class skeleton, loved the books that showed the body dissected to reveal flaps of muscle and cartilage. Like architects building house, as artists we had to learn what held this thing called the human body together. We had to know how it moved, and what lay under the skin. . . . I had a leg up, I knew my tibia from my fibula."
39: "We are starting to get up from our desks and do what are called practicals. . . . I am having a wonderful time because I like the hands-on part. I now get to touch living people, my fellow students. Maybe it is my age [53] or my training as an artist, but I am not at all shy about placing my hands on a stranger's body."
175: "Coming from a family of nutty civilians and psychiatrists, I was predisposed to have more empathy for the average lunatic than many of my fellow EMTs."
182: reference to psychiatrist Harry Stack Sullivan and the continuum of all people sanest to craziest, not us vs them. I look him up (American, 1892 - 1949) - want to read more about his ideas about interpersonal relationships. book = The Interpersonal Theory of Psychiatry (1953). Britannca.com: Personality development takes place by a series of interactions with other people.
221: just do it vs overthinking: "I have a choice. I can sit in the cab next to this handsome fireman and tell him the long sad story of my life, all the childhood abuse I have suffered, my recurring depressions, the strength of my Prozac prescription, all my fears and anxieties, or I can just do it. I choose the latter. I clear my mind of its racing thoughts; I exist only in this moment. I have no history at all. It is up to me to stay put or go forward (or in this case backward) and before I can overthink what to do and the hundred reasons why I can't, I am doing it. Backing up the driveway at a fast clip, spinning the steering wheel, watching how I am able to keep the giant tires out of the ruts on either side of the unfinished driveway."
228: After saying the pledge of allegiance with the others from her station: "Indivisible. I think of what that word means: united, one of a group of many, not alone. When I was a kid I thought the word was invisible, which is how I felt most of the time. I sit down at the front table [as the new secretary for the station] and thirty-two people look at me. They see me, I am real, I am here, and I am part of something, at last."
At some point, I had a concern about the privacy of the people the author describes and sometimes names, but I found the little blurb on the copyright page that says some names, locations, and details were changed to protect people's privacy, which gave me comfort.
35: "I was immediately good in [EMT] class, but it was only because I knew the bones of the body from my years as an art student. Art was what I had majored in as an undergraduate as well as a grad student for seven academic years (about as long as it takes to become a medical doctor). I sketched and painted the human body. I came to know it draped and disrobed, fat and thin, young and old. I especially loved anatomy, loved tracing my hand across the ivory bones of the class skeleton, loved the books that showed the body dissected to reveal flaps of muscle and cartilage. Like architects building house, as artists we had to learn what held this thing called the human body together. We had to know how it moved, and what lay under the skin. . . . I had a leg up, I knew my tibia from my fibula."
39: "We are starting to get up from our desks and do what are called practicals. . . . I am having a wonderful time because I like the hands-on part. I now get to touch living people, my fellow students. Maybe it is my age [53] or my training as an artist, but I am not at all shy about placing my hands on a stranger's body."
175: "Coming from a family of nutty civilians and psychiatrists, I was predisposed to have more empathy for the average lunatic than many of my fellow EMTs."
182: reference to psychiatrist Harry Stack Sullivan and the continuum of all people sanest to craziest, not us vs them. I look him up (American, 1892 - 1949) - want to read more about his ideas about interpersonal relationships. book = The Interpersonal Theory of Psychiatry (1953). Britannca.com: Personality development takes place by a series of interactions with other people.
221: just do it vs overthinking: "I have a choice. I can sit in the cab next to this handsome fireman and tell him the long sad story of my life, all the childhood abuse I have suffered, my recurring depressions, the strength of my Prozac prescription, all my fears and anxieties, or I can just do it. I choose the latter. I clear my mind of its racing thoughts; I exist only in this moment. I have no history at all. It is up to me to stay put or go forward (or in this case backward) and before I can overthink what to do and the hundred reasons why I can't, I am doing it. Backing up the driveway at a fast clip, spinning the steering wheel, watching how I am able to keep the giant tires out of the ruts on either side of the unfinished driveway."
228: After saying the pledge of allegiance with the others from her station: "Indivisible. I think of what that word means: united, one of a group of many, not alone. When I was a kid I thought the word was invisible, which is how I felt most of the time. I sit down at the front table [as the new secretary for the station] and thirty-two people look at me. They see me, I am real, I am here, and I am part of something, at last."
At some point, I had a concern about the privacy of the people the author describes and sometimes names, but I found the little blurb on the copyright page that says some names, locations, and details were changed to protect people's privacy, which gave me comfort.
November 1, 2018
I chose this book because of the content of someone becoming an EMT, not because of the notoriety of the author. I don't actually know anything about Jane Stern prior to this book. Jane Stern regards herself as a person with high anxiety and somehow still chose to become an EMT. In the book, you see her find herself in her new role and essentially force herself to overcome her fears and control her anxiety. As an EMT myself, I find it inconceivable that someone at her level of distress could successfully serve as an EMT, since the whole job is the ability to calmly handling stressful situations, especially given her aversion to basically all bodily fluids. But she somehow pulls it off, succeeds at her new role and finds her place. It shows that the will to want and accomplish something can overcome seemingly insurmountable tasks.
May 22, 2012
I really loved this book - Stern's honesty and self-deprecating humour are very refreshing and I could really relate to her search for meaning and efforts to overcome her worst fears. Stern is not afraid to describe her struggles and triumphs in a way which made for some laugh-out-loud moments as well as some reflective ones. Working in the health industry myself I could relate to much of what she was describing, but I think this book would appeal to all readers who have ever thought about jumping over their own shadow and drastically changing their life. All in all I found this book inspiring, humorous and uplifting and I admire Jane Stern for overcoming her fears and jumping in the deep end!
April 25, 2015
I was charmed and entertained by this book, sometimes to the point of laughing out loud. I'm only giving three stars, though, because I realize I'm biased - I'm a medical interpreter and could see myself becoming an EMT if all Japanese suddenly fell out of my brain.
The best part of this book is probably Stern's voice - never self-pitying, never wallowing, often humorous, and a joy to read. Recommended if you're a medicine nut like myself or curious what a rural EMT goes through day in and day out.
The best part of this book is probably Stern's voice - never self-pitying, never wallowing, often humorous, and a joy to read. Recommended if you're a medicine nut like myself or curious what a rural EMT goes through day in and day out.
January 26, 2013
I had hopes for this auto biographical story. The book begins with a compelling story of how Stern overcomes many fears and obstacles to become an EMT. Sadly, she then falls back into her long list of issues and self pity, then whines until it is unbearable. Unsatisfying ending as well.
April 13, 2012
This had to be the driest, most insignificant book about the profession I've ever read, text books included.
March 26, 2024
At the beginning of this book, Jane is a hypochondriac, depressed and anxious. She finds unexpected purpose on a plane that's grounded for 6 hours when a high schooler unexpectedly suffers a blood sugar crash after not eating all day. She's in full panic mode and focusing on nothing but herself until this boy obviously needs help, and she has the ability to help him. She begins going to a psychiatrist who helps her make the connection that she needs something to turn her focus to others. What better way than to become an EMT?
She's 53 years old, overweight, claustrophobic and phobic about what seems like everything else too. People who know her think she's totally crazy for wanting to do this, but she enrolls in and passes the class despite all odds. She has finally found her purpose.
Then a friend has a stroke and is left a cripple. This sends her into a tailspin. She reenters the life of depression and anxiety and finds herself burned out as an EMT. Her marriage is on the rocks. Her life is more of a mess than it's ever been.
Then the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 occur, and Jane and her husband realize the fragility of life, and what's really important. They find their way back to each other, and Jane's purpose is renewed.
This book was fascinating. I'm interested in the medical world anyway, and I found myself sucked into Jane's life, feeling her feelings of inadequacy and joy when she finally achieved what she thought she couldn't. The writing is such that you can't help but feel what she feels, and I found myself pulling for her when she had a hard time pulling for herself. The stories of her time as an EMT were insightful and interesting.
She's 53 years old, overweight, claustrophobic and phobic about what seems like everything else too. People who know her think she's totally crazy for wanting to do this, but she enrolls in and passes the class despite all odds. She has finally found her purpose.
Then a friend has a stroke and is left a cripple. This sends her into a tailspin. She reenters the life of depression and anxiety and finds herself burned out as an EMT. Her marriage is on the rocks. Her life is more of a mess than it's ever been.
Then the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 occur, and Jane and her husband realize the fragility of life, and what's really important. They find their way back to each other, and Jane's purpose is renewed.
This book was fascinating. I'm interested in the medical world anyway, and I found myself sucked into Jane's life, feeling her feelings of inadequacy and joy when she finally achieved what she thought she couldn't. The writing is such that you can't help but feel what she feels, and I found myself pulling for her when she had a hard time pulling for herself. The stories of her time as an EMT were insightful and interesting.
November 4, 2020
I only kind of remember reading this, but from what I can recall, I enjoyed it and it held my interest. I don't typically read nonfiction, but I think I was glad to make an exception for Ambulance Girl.
March 3, 2025
A quick, yet fascinating story of a writer who becomes an EMT in order to fight her anxiety and depression. I love how she was able to come out of her comfort zone and be willing to be so vulnerable in sharing this story. I admire her bravery and spirit.
August 12, 2020
Read it in a day!
November 10, 2021
Fast read with both emotional depth and adrenaline-filled pages.
November 12, 2022
Found browsing in library.
Jane Stern, can we be friends? Enjoyable quick biography with some laugh out loud lines.
Jane Stern, can we be friends? Enjoyable quick biography with some laugh out loud lines.
July 26, 2009
Jane Stern is a contributing editor for Gourmet magazine. She's also a volunteer EMT. She's been nicknamed "Ambulance girl" by the community she serves. Ambulance Girl chronicles her journey from hypochondria and depression to finding purpose as an EMT.
Each chapter reads like a short story, often focusing on similar training or rescues. Although depression played a huge role in Stern's life she doesn't dwell on it in this upbeat memoir. She also doesn't over state her part in any rescue and never makes herself out to be the hero.
Reading this memoir made me want to get myself recertified with my first aid training. At a previous job I volunteered as an EMT for the company (two were needed per floor). While my training was no where near as rigorous as Stern's I have needed some of that knowledge when my kids have gotten hurt. As Stern points out in the book, it is reassuring and calming to know what to do in an emergency.
Ambulance Girl has also been adapted into a TV movie but I haven't seen it.
Each chapter reads like a short story, often focusing on similar training or rescues. Although depression played a huge role in Stern's life she doesn't dwell on it in this upbeat memoir. She also doesn't over state her part in any rescue and never makes herself out to be the hero.
Reading this memoir made me want to get myself recertified with my first aid training. At a previous job I volunteered as an EMT for the company (two were needed per floor). While my training was no where near as rigorous as Stern's I have needed some of that knowledge when my kids have gotten hurt. As Stern points out in the book, it is reassuring and calming to know what to do in an emergency.
Ambulance Girl has also been adapted into a TV movie but I haven't seen it.
July 20, 2016
I liked the concept of this book and I liked the challenge she set up for herself. Her descriptions of smalltown life were interesting and the writing was casual and funny, but sometimes a bit jagged, such as memories of her childhood thrown in at weird moments. Even though it was a short book, it started to drag at the end.
Here is a quote I liked:
p. 129
"I am so used to being fearful that when I have to do something brave it seems almost unreal. I find that I have the capacity to worry things into the ground, to talk to Tom Knox about them until we are both beyond bored, to go into intricate detail with Michael, and then - boom - just out of the blue, all the fear just falls away and I am doing the undoable. I now think I am the type of person who would faint at the sight of a spider but could run into a burning building to save a baby. Fear is like a hologram. It seems filled with substance and when you go beyond it you realize it was just an illusion."
Here is a quote I liked:
p. 129
"I am so used to being fearful that when I have to do something brave it seems almost unreal. I find that I have the capacity to worry things into the ground, to talk to Tom Knox about them until we are both beyond bored, to go into intricate detail with Michael, and then - boom - just out of the blue, all the fear just falls away and I am doing the undoable. I now think I am the type of person who would faint at the sight of a spider but could run into a burning building to save a baby. Fear is like a hologram. It seems filled with substance and when you go beyond it you realize it was just an illusion."
September 15, 2018
Quick and easy read. Kudos to Jane Stern for overcoming her fear and anxiety to become an EMT in her 50s.
In 1968 the Department of Transportation signed the “white paper,” the original document that set out guidelines for what have since become the protocols and guidelines EMTs follow. It was also a way for the government to deal with the highly trained paramedics who were coming back from Vietnam with nothing to do with their skills. The 1970s were the birth of the modern EMT, the pioneer days, so to speak.
I did not know that!
1) Do not try to replace someone’s organs if they are hanging from their body. 2) Do not give CPR to a severed head. 3) Do not try to revive someone who is in a state of advanced decomposition. 4) If you have a patient whose leg or arm is partially amputated, do not pull it off to make things “neat.”
In 1968 the Department of Transportation signed the “white paper,” the original document that set out guidelines for what have since become the protocols and guidelines EMTs follow. It was also a way for the government to deal with the highly trained paramedics who were coming back from Vietnam with nothing to do with their skills. The 1970s were the birth of the modern EMT, the pioneer days, so to speak.
I did not know that!
1) Do not try to replace someone’s organs if they are hanging from their body. 2) Do not give CPR to a severed head. 3) Do not try to revive someone who is in a state of advanced decomposition. 4) If you have a patient whose leg or arm is partially amputated, do not pull it off to make things “neat.”
May 25, 2016
Jane Stern, whom I recognize from her tv segments and books on “roadfood” – the cafes and diners and down-home restaurants across America – wrote this book which chronicles her journey to become an Emergency Medical Technician while battling depression and anxiety. It sounds dreary, but it is a funny and completely engaging story, which drew me into the life of the small town firehouse, and the life of the woman who found her home there. I liked this a lot – and I think I would like Jane Stern, too.
Read
August 16, 2016I read this back in undergrad while working on my senior capstone experience and preparing to write my own autobiographical journey in the world of EMS. At the time, I highlighted a few interesting quotes, but didn't like it as a whole. Now, though, I think I have a deeper appreciation for the courage it takes to "reinvent" yourself (or, at the very least, challenge yourself in meaningful ways) as an older adult. Risk-taking requires more effort, and I can respect Jane Stern for stepping out of her comfort box.
May 30, 2017
I mostly read this as medical porn. I love stories of doctors and nurses and EMT's. But it was also a pretty neat story about how having a mission, especially one helping others, can help someone deal with their own problems. The author suffered from anxiety and depression, and for some reason one of the first things she wanted to do upon finding a mental health professional who actually helped her was to begin an EMT course. And it turned out to be her salvation. Pretty good story, fast read.
September 23, 2007
This was an enjoyable book. I always like reading authors who are candid about their neuroses, as this one was. And I've thought from time to time of doing the training to be an EMT, so it was good to read about someone's experience going through the process. I think I would find a lot of the same challenges, but I would also like the same things -- the concrete skills, feeling useful, challenging myself to overcome fears, and all the gadgets and decals I could get!!
July 21, 2008
This woman is amazing. From leading a boring, isolated life - she suffers from depression and is a writer - so no need to ever leave the house... she decides to become an Emergency Medical Technician. A first responder.
She has courage to do what many of us would shrink at - dealing with dead people, injuries, psychotic breaks.
She is reaching outside her comfort zone to aid others while helping herself ease her depression.
She has courage to do what many of us would shrink at - dealing with dead people, injuries, psychotic breaks.
She is reaching outside her comfort zone to aid others while helping herself ease her depression.
March 3, 2009
I read this book because my partner wants to become an EMT. Fortunately she isn't doing it for the same reason. She isn't crazy or afraid of everything. The main character is, and grows up by helping others and facing her fears, even if she is a little later than most. She's in her 50s in the book. I still think older teens will be interested in this story because of the medical vignettes, many of which are told with humor, much of it self-deprecating.
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