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En Route: A Paramedic's Stories of Life, Death and Everything In Between
Steven "Kelly" Grayson has seen the best of us at our worst. When hearts stop working, when blood alcohol levels exceed limits we shouldn’t contemplate, when bodies are extricated from car wrecks, he's been there to pick up the pieces, save our lives, and watch us slip away. En Route is an unflinching look at the heart of a paramedic and the profession that shaped him. Grayson’s touching stories of life and death and the hilarious ones of times in between are here to give us an insight of what happens after we call 911, the ambulance doors close, or even what happens inside the ER when the nurse shows the family to the waiting room.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 18, 2018
"[The patient] suffered from chronic renal failure, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, emphysema, and arthritis. In the parlance of our profession, she was a "F***ing Train Wreck." Those of us who regularly transported her also had tabbed her with an unofficial diagnosis of chronic low marble count." - author 'Kelly' Grayson, p. 181 in the "That's Not Blood" chapter
That quote, GR followers, was the highlight of En Route, a choppy and sometimes crudely written collection of vignettes by a Louisiana paramedic who served on an ambulance crew in the 90's and 00's. While I respect his chosen profession (and that he had a few good 'war stories') it seemed that his sometimes insufferable type-A personality, misogynistic comments, and frequent 'smartest kid in the room' / 'only sane person on the planet' attitude made the book kind of a chore to finish.
That quote, GR followers, was the highlight of En Route, a choppy and sometimes crudely written collection of vignettes by a Louisiana paramedic who served on an ambulance crew in the 90's and 00's. While I respect his chosen profession (and that he had a few good 'war stories') it seemed that his sometimes insufferable type-A personality, misogynistic comments, and frequent 'smartest kid in the room' / 'only sane person on the planet' attitude made the book kind of a chore to finish.
July 1, 2016
Another reminder of the racist misogyny macho crap I have to deal with every day as an EMT. Not a surprise that this jerk won the paramedic of the year in 2016.
January 20, 2011
Entertaining stories but the book has an identity crisis.
The first responder stories that are told in this book are very entertaining, however there is little connection between them. The author works with different partners, changes jobs many times, meets a woman, gets married, gets divorced, etc. These are all mentioned as side notes within each story but there is no background explanation by the author as to how those events came to be. I feel like this book is stuck somewhere between an autobiography and a first hand storybook. It would have been better as one or the other. I would have rather some details about what company he was working for or who is partner was be left out altogether, because without the backstory the reader is just left wondering how the author got from point a to point b and in what order these events happened.
The first responder stories that are told in this book are very entertaining, however there is little connection between them. The author works with different partners, changes jobs many times, meets a woman, gets married, gets divorced, etc. These are all mentioned as side notes within each story but there is no background explanation by the author as to how those events came to be. I feel like this book is stuck somewhere between an autobiography and a first hand storybook. It would have been better as one or the other. I would have rather some details about what company he was working for or who is partner was be left out altogether, because without the backstory the reader is just left wondering how the author got from point a to point b and in what order these events happened.
July 24, 2012
I was mostly interested in this book because I used to be an EMT. If that's also your perspective, you will enjoy it, as long as you don't try to think of it as a larger story. Just appreciate it as a big list of some guy's war stories. I really enjoyed it- every chapter had me laughing or cringing or thinking "Oh man, so true!" or "I hate it when that happens." If you have some connection to emergency medicine, consider this a 5 star book for amusement alone. But for everyone else, I'd have to drop it down to 3.
The book is really disjointed and parts of it hardly make any sense. It seems to skip around chronologically, or at least the author skips over major events in his life story. That would be fine, except then he references them. One chapter he's working in one town for one ambulance service, the next he's working somewhere else. The chapter after that he's back in the first place...I think?
Someone else mentioned that this was adapted from a blog, which I completely believe. Don't know why they couldn't have assigned an editor to it though, to help make a cohesive story. There are lots of details that are supposed to improve the stories (which hospital sucks, how far out into the sticks he is, which ER doc is an asshole) that are really hard to keep track of.
He's also very inconsistent about explaining emergency medicine terms. In one chapter he quotes one paramedic asking another if they needed the "Kendrick Extrication Device." I, former EMT, stared at the page for like 15 seconds before realizing, "Ohhhhh, the KED." I guarantee you no paramedic in the history of the world has ever called it by its full name outside of a classroom. The next chapter he's rattling off a bunch of EKG terminology that I only vaguely recognized as...well, being EKG terminology. Anyway, even when he writes out "Kendrick Extrication Device," he doesn't actually tell you what it is, so prepare to be confused by medical terminology unless you have some background in it. (For the curious: A KED is basically a spine board that you can mold to someone who is seated in a car.)
Also, the last chapter is a MAJOR downer. I have no idea why he chose the most depressing possible story in his repertoire to end the story with, but it just makes the whole book seem incredibly depressing in retrospect. I recommend pausing halfway through the book, reading the last chapter, then finishing. The book will make exactly as much sense and you won't feel so damn depressed right after you finish.
The book is really disjointed and parts of it hardly make any sense. It seems to skip around chronologically, or at least the author skips over major events in his life story. That would be fine, except then he references them. One chapter he's working in one town for one ambulance service, the next he's working somewhere else. The chapter after that he's back in the first place...I think?
Someone else mentioned that this was adapted from a blog, which I completely believe. Don't know why they couldn't have assigned an editor to it though, to help make a cohesive story. There are lots of details that are supposed to improve the stories (which hospital sucks, how far out into the sticks he is, which ER doc is an asshole) that are really hard to keep track of.
He's also very inconsistent about explaining emergency medicine terms. In one chapter he quotes one paramedic asking another if they needed the "Kendrick Extrication Device." I, former EMT, stared at the page for like 15 seconds before realizing, "Ohhhhh, the KED." I guarantee you no paramedic in the history of the world has ever called it by its full name outside of a classroom. The next chapter he's rattling off a bunch of EKG terminology that I only vaguely recognized as...well, being EKG terminology. Anyway, even when he writes out "Kendrick Extrication Device," he doesn't actually tell you what it is, so prepare to be confused by medical terminology unless you have some background in it. (For the curious: A KED is basically a spine board that you can mold to someone who is seated in a car.)
Also, the last chapter is a MAJOR downer. I have no idea why he chose the most depressing possible story in his repertoire to end the story with, but it just makes the whole book seem incredibly depressing in retrospect. I recommend pausing halfway through the book, reading the last chapter, then finishing. The book will make exactly as much sense and you won't feel so damn depressed right after you finish.
October 7, 2011
This was a silly book that I got for free on my Kindle. It's a series of short story-chapters that are tales from the roads of rural Louisiana where the author worked as a paramedic for years. Even though the stories are fun, the writing leaves something to be desired and he repeats silly cliches and pet phrases enough that they become tiresome. I have to believe there are better paramedic books out there, but this one was OK.
February 18, 2013
A free Kindle book.
It was a little disjointed (as others have said, it's better to read it as a collection of stories, rather than as having an overarching narrative about his life), but overall enjoyable. He's a bit crass and misogynistic, but overall has a good sense of humor and is a pretty decent writer. A quick, interesting read.
It was a little disjointed (as others have said, it's better to read it as a collection of stories, rather than as having an overarching narrative about his life), but overall enjoyable. He's a bit crass and misogynistic, but overall has a good sense of humor and is a pretty decent writer. A quick, interesting read.
December 28, 2016
True to life and so funny
This manages to touch home with the things first responders know to be true. But it hits home while being hilarious. Great read.
This manages to touch home with the things first responders know to be true. But it hits home while being hilarious. Great read.
August 4, 2023
My discovery of Kelly Grayson came with reading one of his Waffle Haus stories, with thoughts of gunplay, gangsters, and goblins, served on a double order of hash browns scattered, smothered, and diced. In other words, pretty much my favorite things. Then, I discovered he TRULY is a paramedic, which is what I wanted to be when I grew up.
Alas, after the Army trained me as a medic, they sent me to the motor pool; and after THAT, they told me I was going to be doing environmental health. And what with one thing and another, on Civvy Street I became a counselor. Thus, my dream of doing Kelly-Grayson-like medical things turned into dirt in the breeze, or something.
That affected my reading preferences not at all.
My only hesitation in picking up THIS volume: can Kelly deliver? Has the boy got the chops to do the things, and then to write about the things?
Well, yes.
The primary structure of the book isn't chronological, although that is a factor. Instead, it's a telling of a story in a series of vignettes, ALMOST like an anthology. I think it's a remarkably effective way of grabbing and holding the reader's attention, and for ME, this WAS a page turner that cut into my sleep time.
I think stories illustrate far better than ordered and organized lectures. Although Kelly isn't shy about mentioning his great proficiency in a HUGE variety of life-saving techniques, his real communication strength is in showing, not telling.
He's not at all shy about telling us that there are some providers of medical services who don't care about the patients, or are incompetent for other reasons. For example, the FIRST chapter concerns a pick up of a nursing home patient for transfer to a hospital. Arriving on scene, Kelly and his fellow medic politely inform the nursing staff, who are busily getting the patient cleaned up for transfer, that the the patient isn't pining for the fjords, but is an ex-patient; deceased; passed away; etc.
Through his personal story, and that of those he has worked with, Grayson covers everything from life-saving techniques to the proper way to run a business.
A substantial component of medical care is the hierarchy of the staff, with doctors at the top of the heap. He has a different hierarchy, placing competence above all. Well, almost all; I think he enjoys watching new people get thrown up on a bit more.
Along the way, he sheds some light on how his career choice has impacted his personal life. As far as I'm concerned, that's the greatest barrier to a career as a paramedic. It's not a 9-5, Monday-Friday occupation; shift work is a given. If you are single, perhaps it's not a deal-killer, but it's something that MUST be taken into consideration.
So far, I have raved over both Grayson's fiction and reality writing, and I've just scratched the surface. He has a LOT more for me to read.
I hope the boy doesn't screw it up...
Alas, after the Army trained me as a medic, they sent me to the motor pool; and after THAT, they told me I was going to be doing environmental health. And what with one thing and another, on Civvy Street I became a counselor. Thus, my dream of doing Kelly-Grayson-like medical things turned into dirt in the breeze, or something.
That affected my reading preferences not at all.
My only hesitation in picking up THIS volume: can Kelly deliver? Has the boy got the chops to do the things, and then to write about the things?
Well, yes.
The primary structure of the book isn't chronological, although that is a factor. Instead, it's a telling of a story in a series of vignettes, ALMOST like an anthology. I think it's a remarkably effective way of grabbing and holding the reader's attention, and for ME, this WAS a page turner that cut into my sleep time.
I think stories illustrate far better than ordered and organized lectures. Although Kelly isn't shy about mentioning his great proficiency in a HUGE variety of life-saving techniques, his real communication strength is in showing, not telling.
He's not at all shy about telling us that there are some providers of medical services who don't care about the patients, or are incompetent for other reasons. For example, the FIRST chapter concerns a pick up of a nursing home patient for transfer to a hospital. Arriving on scene, Kelly and his fellow medic politely inform the nursing staff, who are busily getting the patient cleaned up for transfer, that the the patient isn't pining for the fjords, but is an ex-patient; deceased; passed away; etc.
Through his personal story, and that of those he has worked with, Grayson covers everything from life-saving techniques to the proper way to run a business.
A substantial component of medical care is the hierarchy of the staff, with doctors at the top of the heap. He has a different hierarchy, placing competence above all. Well, almost all; I think he enjoys watching new people get thrown up on a bit more.
Along the way, he sheds some light on how his career choice has impacted his personal life. As far as I'm concerned, that's the greatest barrier to a career as a paramedic. It's not a 9-5, Monday-Friday occupation; shift work is a given. If you are single, perhaps it's not a deal-killer, but it's something that MUST be taken into consideration.
So far, I have raved over both Grayson's fiction and reality writing, and I've just scratched the surface. He has a LOT more for me to read.
I hope the boy doesn't screw it up...
October 22, 2023
My first EMT/Paramedic memoir...
I've read hundreds of memoirs, mostly wartime memoirs, but this is the first memoir that I can remember reading about EMTs and Paramedics. It was enjoyable, overall, and I recommend it.
I was a first responder for a number of years, through several jobs, handling medical, police & fire calls. This book brought back a flood of memories: some good, but a lot of them bad. There were also a few truly horribly ones that still haunt me sometimes while I'm laying in bed in the middle of the night, in the dark, unable to sleep. And for me it brought back memories of a few terrible details of the horrible events that until now had faded with time, until this book refreshed those memories in my mind. But despite that personal effect on me, the book is worthwhile.
While some graphic details are mentioned, author is careful to hold back on some of the worst elements and spare the reader from it. Only those who have been there will probably notice those omissions, so it doesn't interfere with enjoyment of the book. The book went by quickly, also bringing back some good memories, and that feeling of excitement that you feel when you're new to first-responder jobs.
Overall, it paints a very accurate picture of the life of a first-respinder.
I've read hundreds of memoirs, mostly wartime memoirs, but this is the first memoir that I can remember reading about EMTs and Paramedics. It was enjoyable, overall, and I recommend it.
I was a first responder for a number of years, through several jobs, handling medical, police & fire calls. This book brought back a flood of memories: some good, but a lot of them bad. There were also a few truly horribly ones that still haunt me sometimes while I'm laying in bed in the middle of the night, in the dark, unable to sleep. And for me it brought back memories of a few terrible details of the horrible events that until now had faded with time, until this book refreshed those memories in my mind. But despite that personal effect on me, the book is worthwhile.
While some graphic details are mentioned, author is careful to hold back on some of the worst elements and spare the reader from it. Only those who have been there will probably notice those omissions, so it doesn't interfere with enjoyment of the book. The book went by quickly, also bringing back some good memories, and that feeling of excitement that you feel when you're new to first-responder jobs.
Overall, it paints a very accurate picture of the life of a first-respinder.
January 25, 2023
The version of this book I read was just called "A Paramedic's Story" so I read a later edition, I don't think there was any changes, and the title change just left me confused. (I've read several other books about paramedics and I wasn't sure if this was one of them or not. Turns out I hadn't read this one until now.)
I know some longtime EMTs. This guy definitely sounds like an EMT. It irked me that he felt it was okay to comment on people's bodies (they're fat, they smell, her breasts hung low) on the worst day of their lives. The short chapters made for fast reading but it also made it easier to put the book down. It took me about three weeks to get through it. I just wasn't really connecting with him.
I think all the paramedic books tend to follow the same formula, you've got: the funny, the sad, the stupid, the gross, and the traumatizing calls. The last chapter in the book is definitely the most poignant and highly detailed story in the book.
Just because it didn't really jibe with me, doesn't mean it was a bad book. I think he poured his heart out and you should give it a shot if your curious about the topic.
I know some longtime EMTs. This guy definitely sounds like an EMT. It irked me that he felt it was okay to comment on people's bodies (they're fat, they smell, her breasts hung low) on the worst day of their lives. The short chapters made for fast reading but it also made it easier to put the book down. It took me about three weeks to get through it. I just wasn't really connecting with him.
I think all the paramedic books tend to follow the same formula, you've got: the funny, the sad, the stupid, the gross, and the traumatizing calls. The last chapter in the book is definitely the most poignant and highly detailed story in the book.
Just because it didn't really jibe with me, doesn't mean it was a bad book. I think he poured his heart out and you should give it a shot if your curious about the topic.
November 7, 2018
I have read this book multiple times and it never gets old. The first time I read this book I was a brand new EMT feeling frustrated with the agency I was with at the time and starting to question if I picked the right career path. This book was recommended to me by a colleague so I thought I’d give it a shot. I was hooked the second I started reading it. Kelly truly paints a picture of what it’s like being in EMS from the good to the bad. But the one thing that stuck out to me was the obvious love he has for EMS even through all the crap we put up with in this field. After I finished this book, I had a fresh perspective on what I had actually gotten myself into. From that point on I was excited and grateful to be in EMS. Now two years later, I’m about halfway through Paramedic School and just as excited about EMS as I was then. I highly recommend this book, it’s worth the read
July 25, 2022
A plethora of different tales from a paramedic in Louisiana, this book certainly had some interesting stories. I found myself engaged and enthralled with this up close and personal look at first response.
This book didn’t get a higher rating from me however because the author was a pretty gross misogynistic kind of “man’s man” that I can only imagine is even worse in person. He was full of himself and it only got worse as the book progressed. There’s knowing your worth and then there’s being a jerk about it. So no matter how interesting the stories were, I couldn’t reconcile the fact that Kelly just came across as someone I would never want to meet.
This book didn’t get a higher rating from me however because the author was a pretty gross misogynistic kind of “man’s man” that I can only imagine is even worse in person. He was full of himself and it only got worse as the book progressed. There’s knowing your worth and then there’s being a jerk about it. So no matter how interesting the stories were, I couldn’t reconcile the fact that Kelly just came across as someone I would never want to meet.
November 8, 2021
Steven Kelly Grayson "Kelly" tells stories about his career as a paramedic, his journey through his career, and the funny moments in between. The beginning of the book has sort of a slow start as it takes you through the beginning of Kelly's career, but quickly progresses after he gets his paramedic license. I appreciate Kelly's ability to keep a positive outlook and find comedy in dire situations, I also appreciate that he is very real with everything, and gives you a real look at what it's like to be an EMS worker. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to go into the EMR field.
September 6, 2025
A gripping memoir that offers a raw, unflinching look at the life of a paramedic. Through vivid storytelling, Grayson blends heart-wrenching accounts of emergencies with moments of humor and humanity, capturing the chaos and compassion of EMS work in rural Louisiana. His journey from rookie to seasoned "supermedic" is both engaging and insightful, highlighting the emotional toll and rewards of the profession. The authenticity and colorful characters keep you hooked. Honest, compelling narrative, though it could benefit from tighter pacing.
August 14, 2019
The vignettes had me laughing, crying, and crying over and again. I liked the novel’s passing of time and how each story was wrapped up yet flowed, just like the course of a day/shift etc. Anyone who wants to know what EMS does must read this book. As an outsider I enjoyed learning about the stories and the mindset of someone whose stories they are.
April 28, 2023
An engaging page-turner with lots of fascinating stories, some humorous, some tragic. As mentioned in other reviews, the author is a bit of an egomaniac, but he balanced that feature with his failures, his tears, and some self-deprecating humor. So he's okay with me.
I see he has another book and I'd like to read that one, too.
Recommended for an entertaining read.
I see he has another book and I'd like to read that one, too.
Recommended for an entertaining read.
June 22, 2023
His calls are amusing at best and depressing at worst, which I guess how it goes riding the rigs.
He's not the greatest author. He jump from company to company, which is confusing and there is no timeline. I could hve skipped all the drama between departments, although maybe it really happens. I also would have like to seen some more character develpment,
All in all, it was a entertaining quick read.
He's not the greatest author. He jump from company to company, which is confusing and there is no timeline. I could hve skipped all the drama between departments, although maybe it really happens. I also would have like to seen some more character develpment,
All in all, it was a entertaining quick read.
September 28, 2023
A powerful tale of real life
Kelly the "Ambulance Driver" can write. Stories of humanity, tales of the crazy, and you can feel like you are there when things get sporty. Damn glad there are folks like him.
Kelly the "Ambulance Driver" can write. Stories of humanity, tales of the crazy, and you can feel like you are there when things get sporty. Damn glad there are folks like him.
May 26, 2025
This book was hilarious and I learned so much! I like it even though I am a 911 dispatcher and he calls dispatch Satan all through the whole book. The book is set in rural Louisiana but is relatable for any first responder in a rural community.
December 23, 2020
This collection of stories is a great look at rural EMS and the challenges that we face on a daily basis.
January 26, 2022
Do you know what I think is impressive? When someone does their job well, and then doesn’t brag about it to everyone they talk to. This book is the opposite of that.
October 15, 2023
Good read, on to his next book.
A little technical at times, but good read. I was hoping the end of the book wasn't true, But I'm an optimistic.
A little technical at times, but good read. I was hoping the end of the book wasn't true, But I'm an optimistic.
July 5, 2024
Great read
Loved the humour. Author is a great story teller. Can't wait t o read more from him. Loved the book.
Loved the humour. Author is a great story teller. Can't wait t o read more from him. Loved the book.
January 2, 2011
I finished another paramedic book earlier today, and waffled between reading this one ot taking a break. Very glad I decided to keep with the theme. Grayson definitely has a knack for writing, as his descriptions made it feel like I was right there, riding along with him through northern Louisiana. While probably taken from his entire 10 year career (to that point, there were no indications he had ceased being a paramedic), Grayson wove the tales together quite well, so that it almost seemed to be a continuous story.
Unfortunately, there were a some big holes in there that kept it from being a seamless story. Grayson references a call he went on regarding a young man named Ricky in anecdotes about two subsequent visits to members of Ricky's family, but we never learn about that first call involving young Ricky except in a brief mention of his current condition in the second story. It felt like Ricky's story had been in the book, and cut out before publication. Likewise the 'old man' call that was the first of 3 calls in a row to a particular town, the same town Ricky's family lived in. Also, I lost track of who Grayson was driving for and where because he starts off the book saying that the large ambulance service in the area wouldn't take someone as green as him, so he starts off with a new company that is tight on funds but full of excited medics willing to work for free and live in the station house. The book feels chronologic, and up to the story about the 3 Martins, he is still working for this company. Eventually though, he mentions working for another ambulance corps, a rival of a 4th company, but we never find out when the change happens or why.
What works so well about this book, but also makes these holes so glaring, is the small town feel of it all. No matter for whom he's working and in what town, Greyson transports people to the same hospitals, sees the same ER docs, responds to the same old age home, etc. By the time the book ends, I felt I had a good picture of his life and what it's like to do the job from his perspective.
I'd certainly read a second book by Greyson, not to mention those chapters that feel like they should be in the book to fill in some of the gaps.
Unfortunately, there were a some big holes in there that kept it from being a seamless story. Grayson references a call he went on regarding a young man named Ricky in anecdotes about two subsequent visits to members of Ricky's family, but we never learn about that first call involving young Ricky except in a brief mention of his current condition in the second story. It felt like Ricky's story had been in the book, and cut out before publication. Likewise the 'old man' call that was the first of 3 calls in a row to a particular town, the same town Ricky's family lived in. Also, I lost track of who Grayson was driving for and where because he starts off the book saying that the large ambulance service in the area wouldn't take someone as green as him, so he starts off with a new company that is tight on funds but full of excited medics willing to work for free and live in the station house. The book feels chronologic, and up to the story about the 3 Martins, he is still working for this company. Eventually though, he mentions working for another ambulance corps, a rival of a 4th company, but we never find out when the change happens or why.
What works so well about this book, but also makes these holes so glaring, is the small town feel of it all. No matter for whom he's working and in what town, Greyson transports people to the same hospitals, sees the same ER docs, responds to the same old age home, etc. By the time the book ends, I felt I had a good picture of his life and what it's like to do the job from his perspective.
I'd certainly read a second book by Greyson, not to mention those chapters that feel like they should be in the book to fill in some of the gaps.
August 29, 2012
A lot of the stories Kelly tells are also on his blog (or at least the same types of stories), and he is a wonderful story-teller in person, as I've had the pleasure of discovering this past year, so I was fairly confident I would enjoy this book...I was completely correct, and am so happy I finally got the chance to read it.
This book is not for the faint of heart when it comes to depictions of life-and-death situations, nor should you read it if you don't have a sense of humor about illness.
Through his anecdotes, Kelly takes you through his life at the beginning of his career through his days as a bonafide veteran of the field, and along the way, you're treated to hysterical meanderings, thoughtful musings, and some left-field topics that you wouldn't even consider to be a "valid" part of an EMT's life...but then again, Kelly's life isn't all that ordinary in the first place.
If you ever get a chance to meet him, attend a class or speech given by him, or if you want to read his blog and banter with him that way (http://ambulancedriverfiles.com/), DO IT. I strongly urge you to have more of Kelly Grayson in your life. His personality is enormous, as is his heart, and his sense of fun comes out in his writing in a way that so few memoir authors are able to achieve.
This review is not just from a friend - it's from a fan. I don't take memoirs lightly, even if they're supposed to be funny. If they're bad, I'm going to go out of my way to tell you how bad they are. On the inverse, I'm going to recommend the ones I feel are essential, and this book is on the latter list.
As Travis said in Clueless: "Two very enthusiastic thumbs up. Fine holiday fun!"
This book is not for the faint of heart when it comes to depictions of life-and-death situations, nor should you read it if you don't have a sense of humor about illness.
Through his anecdotes, Kelly takes you through his life at the beginning of his career through his days as a bonafide veteran of the field, and along the way, you're treated to hysterical meanderings, thoughtful musings, and some left-field topics that you wouldn't even consider to be a "valid" part of an EMT's life...but then again, Kelly's life isn't all that ordinary in the first place.
If you ever get a chance to meet him, attend a class or speech given by him, or if you want to read his blog and banter with him that way (http://ambulancedriverfiles.com/), DO IT. I strongly urge you to have more of Kelly Grayson in your life. His personality is enormous, as is his heart, and his sense of fun comes out in his writing in a way that so few memoir authors are able to achieve.
This review is not just from a friend - it's from a fan. I don't take memoirs lightly, even if they're supposed to be funny. If they're bad, I'm going to go out of my way to tell you how bad they are. On the inverse, I'm going to recommend the ones I feel are essential, and this book is on the latter list.
As Travis said in Clueless: "Two very enthusiastic thumbs up. Fine holiday fun!"
June 11, 2011
It was really really good! It's different from what I normally read but it was better than I expected. The book is a true story. It has to do with Kelly Grayson and his life as a Paramedic. Each chapter was a different story of someone dying, involved in a wreak and so many more, my favorite part about each chapter is the titles - each title was funny and a few didn't make sense at first but once you read the chapter, you'll get it. It was based in Louisiana which is where I'm living at right now and that was probably one of the reason why I read it. The book had some funny moments and a few sad moments. I can't really tell you much because anything I say about this book, will pretty much spoil it! So I'll post the passage from Amazon.com of the product description of the book.
"Welcome to the life-and-death world of an EMT—sometimes bloody, sometimes even funny, but always compelling.
When someone dials 911, Emergency Medical Technician Kelly Grayson is there—to restart the heart that has stopped beating, deal with dangerously high blood alcohol levels, or pull a body from a mangled car wreck. As an EMT, Grayson sees people at their best and worst, in situations that can be gruesome, moving, and heart-breaking. Regardless of the emergency, Grayson is the first line of defense, picking up the pieces and saving lives—or, sadly, watching them slip away.
A Paramedic's Story is bursting with stories that run the gamut from lighthearted to heart-wrenching. With his brutally candid style, Grayson gives readers his special insight into the human condition, and shows us what it feels like to hold lives in his hands every day.".
"Welcome to the life-and-death world of an EMT—sometimes bloody, sometimes even funny, but always compelling.
When someone dials 911, Emergency Medical Technician Kelly Grayson is there—to restart the heart that has stopped beating, deal with dangerously high blood alcohol levels, or pull a body from a mangled car wreck. As an EMT, Grayson sees people at their best and worst, in situations that can be gruesome, moving, and heart-breaking. Regardless of the emergency, Grayson is the first line of defense, picking up the pieces and saving lives—or, sadly, watching them slip away.
A Paramedic's Story is bursting with stories that run the gamut from lighthearted to heart-wrenching. With his brutally candid style, Grayson gives readers his special insight into the human condition, and shows us what it feels like to hold lives in his hands every day.".
January 16, 2014
Steven Grayson’s book, A Paramedic’s Story was a great read for me. Obviously from the title of the book you can infer that this book is going to be about the things that a paramedic goes through on a daily basis. Steven or “Kelly” which is his nickname, shares stories about some of the craziest and most unusual calls he has responded to. Along with describing the calls he goes through, we also get to follow him through all the levels of his medical training.
I like just about every aspect of this book for many reasons. Kelly was very talented in the ways he put a visual representation of each scene he responded to into the mind of his reader. There were multiple occasions where I felt like I was in the rig and right there on the calls with him. With him doing that, it made reading this book almost like a learning experience. Personally I couldn't find anything wrong with this book, all the aspects of a great book were here.
I most definitely would recommend this book to anyone that likes reading a book that will give you an in-depth look at would some people go through on a daily basis. Also it would be a good book for those interested in the medical field because I will show them just how unpredictable things can be and how strange as well. Already I have a friend who wants to read the book so we will see if they feel the same way about it as I did once they’re done with it.
I like just about every aspect of this book for many reasons. Kelly was very talented in the ways he put a visual representation of each scene he responded to into the mind of his reader. There were multiple occasions where I felt like I was in the rig and right there on the calls with him. With him doing that, it made reading this book almost like a learning experience. Personally I couldn't find anything wrong with this book, all the aspects of a great book were here.
I most definitely would recommend this book to anyone that likes reading a book that will give you an in-depth look at would some people go through on a daily basis. Also it would be a good book for those interested in the medical field because I will show them just how unpredictable things can be and how strange as well. Already I have a friend who wants to read the book so we will see if they feel the same way about it as I did once they’re done with it.
January 23, 2011
Life, death, and everything in-between. This is a collection of experiences from the perspective of a kick-ass paramedic who is also a very good author. The author is obviously dedicated, often jaded, but always full of compassion for those who depend on him.
I read the blog way before the book came out, and although I got this book for free as an Amazon Kindle book, I would have gladly paid money to read this.
Reading this gives you the idea that being a paramedic is not glamorous at all. But it is not without great reward, despite the moments that have you scratching your head and wondering how anyone can put up with the bogus or hysterical or not-worth-a-call to 911 kinds of things. You get a look at the experience of the author, and there's everything from wickedly good humor, to stories that will bring you to tears of laughter, and stories that will move you beyond anything you expected.
Oh, and you'll laugh, too, many times, and for very good reasons. My mother used to say, "Laugh, cry, or go crazy... I'd prefer to laugh." This book made me laugh and cry, and made me appreciate how crazy being a paramedic can be. I'm glad people like this author are out there doing what they do best.
I read the blog way before the book came out, and although I got this book for free as an Amazon Kindle book, I would have gladly paid money to read this.
Reading this gives you the idea that being a paramedic is not glamorous at all. But it is not without great reward, despite the moments that have you scratching your head and wondering how anyone can put up with the bogus or hysterical or not-worth-a-call to 911 kinds of things. You get a look at the experience of the author, and there's everything from wickedly good humor, to stories that will bring you to tears of laughter, and stories that will move you beyond anything you expected.
Oh, and you'll laugh, too, many times, and for very good reasons. My mother used to say, "Laugh, cry, or go crazy... I'd prefer to laugh." This book made me laugh and cry, and made me appreciate how crazy being a paramedic can be. I'm glad people like this author are out there doing what they do best.
March 6, 2013
It's been a little over a year since I've read this book, but it still pops into my mind sometimes. It's been a long time since I've read a book where I went from laughing hysterically in one chapter, and crying in the next. Don't take that to mean this is a horribly chaotic book - It's not. It's a collection of different stories, one per chapter, and yet still forms a cohesive long-term story.
As a Paramedic, I'm able to relate to many of the stories in this book (good and bad.) It was easy to put myself on that truck or at that scene with Kelly, and feel like I was the partner for that call. Obviously, Emergency Services personnel will enjoy this book on one level, but I'm confident that the "Average Citizen" with no Emergency Services ties will enjoy it just as much, even if for different reasons.
This is definitely worth the read. It's easy to pick up and put down regularly (so, for reading in between calls at the base, for example).
As a Paramedic, I'm able to relate to many of the stories in this book (good and bad.) It was easy to put myself on that truck or at that scene with Kelly, and feel like I was the partner for that call. Obviously, Emergency Services personnel will enjoy this book on one level, but I'm confident that the "Average Citizen" with no Emergency Services ties will enjoy it just as much, even if for different reasons.
This is definitely worth the read. It's easy to pick up and put down regularly (so, for reading in between calls at the base, for example).
December 6, 2020
Kelly Grayson is, hands down, the best author of Paramedic stories out there. And since I own about 15 others, or more, that's saying a lot. Like most of the others, there are stories of lives saved, lives lost, "frequent flyers" and the rest. What this author does that the others don't: he is a wonderful writer.
He has a well-rounded sense of humor. He can go from the gutter, through self-deprecation, to good, clean fun and back. He also has that black humor that helps some of us make it through bad times; that makes me laugh through the pain of loss.
He also has the rare quality called "wit." It's hard to define; Jane Austen has it. So does J. K. Rowling. It is a truth universally acknowledged that witty authors should write several more books. (That's not a hint or anything. Nope. Not.)
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