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Exposure #6
Nightcrawlers
A revealing ride-along with New England’s teenage volunteer EMTs—boys and girls pulled away from their homework to save lives when the sun goes down.
It’s a Darien, Connecticut, an emergency medical service managed by adolescents. One kid is a varsity soccer captain. There’s a future doctor, a band dork, a theater geek. Theirs is a view of town without the niceties. A drunken spouse turned violent. Lonely old people stuck in the bath. A midlife suicide. How do these kids process the sometimes shocking and violent life-and-death secrets of their community? The answer is a story of high stress and uncommon high school lives, told by a writer who spent his own youth on the night shift. Welcome to Post 53.
Rosecrans Baldwin’s Nightcrawlers is part of Exposure, a collection of six incredible and true stories of American double lives from millionaire CEOs and suburban teens to undercover investigators and scam artists—all for whom secrets are a way of life. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single astonished sitting.
It’s a Darien, Connecticut, an emergency medical service managed by adolescents. One kid is a varsity soccer captain. There’s a future doctor, a band dork, a theater geek. Theirs is a view of town without the niceties. A drunken spouse turned violent. Lonely old people stuck in the bath. A midlife suicide. How do these kids process the sometimes shocking and violent life-and-death secrets of their community? The answer is a story of high stress and uncommon high school lives, told by a writer who spent his own youth on the night shift. Welcome to Post 53.
Rosecrans Baldwin’s Nightcrawlers is part of Exposure, a collection of six incredible and true stories of American double lives from millionaire CEOs and suburban teens to undercover investigators and scam artists—all for whom secrets are a way of life. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single astonished sitting.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2019
279 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Rosecrans Baldwin
9 books88 followersRosecrans Baldwin is the bestselling author of Everything Now, winner of the California Book Award. Other books include The Last Kid Left and Paris, I Love You but You’re Bringing Me Down. His debut novel, You Lost Me There, was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 22, 2019
Wish more of the focus had been on the teens in the paramedics force. The bit of history about the town was sort of interesting but had to mostly force myself through that part.
*Read for free with Kindle Unlimited*
*Read for free with Kindle Unlimited*
September 16, 2019
This was fascinating.
Darien, CT, utilizes a force of teenagers as volunteer EMTs. Seriously - if you live in or need immediate medical attention in Darien, chances are two teenagers are going to show up to save your life.
This short story is the author’s recollection of that time in his life.
And while I’m all for young people finding a calling & helping the community, I couldn’t help but think: this is one of the richest suburbs in the world... and they still won’t spring to pay people to save them???
Darien, CT, utilizes a force of teenagers as volunteer EMTs. Seriously - if you live in or need immediate medical attention in Darien, chances are two teenagers are going to show up to save your life.
This short story is the author’s recollection of that time in his life.
And while I’m all for young people finding a calling & helping the community, I couldn’t help but think: this is one of the richest suburbs in the world... and they still won’t spring to pay people to save them???
December 7, 2024
Teen EMT
In Darian, CT the town Emergency Medical Services are basically staffed by the town’s teenagers. The most wonderful thing about “the Posties” is that they are good. Their success ratings are good.
What does it do to young people who see things that others their age can’t even conceive of?
The story is written by a one-time Postie and is very interesting. It got down in the weeds about the town’s long past problem with racism, but was otherwise very an excellent read. Four stars.
In Darian, CT the town Emergency Medical Services are basically staffed by the town’s teenagers. The most wonderful thing about “the Posties” is that they are good. Their success ratings are good.
What does it do to young people who see things that others their age can’t even conceive of?
The story is written by a one-time Postie and is very interesting. It got down in the weeds about the town’s long past problem with racism, but was otherwise very an excellent read. Four stars.
September 6, 2019
* I borrowed this book from Amazon Prime. I started out reading the ebook and then I finished listening to it with the narration from Audible. *
Things I liked: finding out about the history of the town of Darien and finding out about the teenagers who are EMTs.
Things I don’t like: I wish it would have focused more on the teens. I found the history of the town interesting but I wanted to know more about them.
I would recommend it if you like reading non fiction. If you’re interested in reading this, it’s on Amazon Prime for free.
Things I liked: finding out about the history of the town of Darien and finding out about the teenagers who are EMTs.
Things I don’t like: I wish it would have focused more on the teens. I found the history of the town interesting but I wanted to know more about them.
I would recommend it if you like reading non fiction. If you’re interested in reading this, it’s on Amazon Prime for free.
January 26, 2020
True-life EMT teenagers
It’s usually worthwhile to read about something of which you were completely unaware. That’s what happened to me with this article about “Post,” a unique Connecticut program where dozens of a town’s teenagers run the emergency medical services (with adult supervision).
It’s usually worthwhile to read about something of which you were completely unaware. That’s what happened to me with this article about “Post,” a unique Connecticut program where dozens of a town’s teenagers run the emergency medical services (with adult supervision).
August 1, 2019
This was a great short read with an engaging behind the scenes feel. I am so glad this program exists. I really wish it was a model duplicated around the country. Minus the influence of antisemitism and racism of course.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2022
Fascinating! The EMT program could work in many small towns (regardless of ethnicity/race), especially with the proper structure and support for the young people involved.
As for the town's darker (or not allowed to be darker) side, I wish I could say I was surprised.
As for the town's darker (or not allowed to be darker) side, I wish I could say I was surprised.
November 7, 2019
A writer looks back on the time he spent as a teen-aged EMT in Darien, Connecticut, and also examines the town's reputation for anti-Semitism and racism.
June 12, 2019
Electrifying
Darien, Connecticut is a small town removed from most of America, though it's a stone's throw away from NYC. It's most unique feature is its EMT crew. Post 53, as it is known, is staffed and run by teens, with limited adult supervision. The author, a former Postie who grew up in Darien, revisits town and the program to see how it has survived the intervening years, and how it stacks up to their memories.
I was unfamiliar with the story of Darien before reading this book. Certainly it seems to have its dark side, the author doesn't sugarcoat that, but the Post 53 program is cutting edge, and truly inspiring. I am happy to report that the author gives these motivated teens the respect they are due, and that the level of responsibility and dedication they show gives great hope for the up and coming generation. This is an uplifting story overall and I'm glad to know it.
Darien, Connecticut is a small town removed from most of America, though it's a stone's throw away from NYC. It's most unique feature is its EMT crew. Post 53, as it is known, is staffed and run by teens, with limited adult supervision. The author, a former Postie who grew up in Darien, revisits town and the program to see how it has survived the intervening years, and how it stacks up to their memories.
I was unfamiliar with the story of Darien before reading this book. Certainly it seems to have its dark side, the author doesn't sugarcoat that, but the Post 53 program is cutting edge, and truly inspiring. I am happy to report that the author gives these motivated teens the respect they are due, and that the level of responsibility and dedication they show gives great hope for the up and coming generation. This is an uplifting story overall and I'm glad to know it.
November 9, 2020
Semi-Autobiographical Exposure of Darien, CT
Told through the eyes and experiences of the teenage ambulance EMTs of Post 53, the author compares the life-building experiences of current 16-18 year-olds with his own in the exclusive community of Darien, Connecticut.
This well-told account describes how these youthful first responders come face to face with the most personal secrets and tragedies of this very private community. People needing emergency help when people are most vulnerable is both eye opening and life changing for these high school students who often go on to exceptional professional careers.
This, the sixth and final installment of the "Exposure Collection," describes how these young people become exposed to the private lives and stark realities of the powerful, wealthy, and overprotective citizens on one of the least diverse communities in the United States.
Although the author tastefully describes the experiences these young EMTs confront with examples and generalities to protect patient identities, he nonetheless shares how what they experience changes their lives forever. Knowing the unvarnished facts about people and the truths about private or unspeakable behaviors makes these students grow up fast with no illusions of reality.
Adding to the reading experience is the author's own voice narration in Audible's audio companion, adding both emotion and honest tones to the well-written story.
I enjoyed this short and essential part of this series as a worthwhile and informative escape read, having inspirational accounts of one community helps shape their youth for life.
Glad this was the final installment.
Told through the eyes and experiences of the teenage ambulance EMTs of Post 53, the author compares the life-building experiences of current 16-18 year-olds with his own in the exclusive community of Darien, Connecticut.
This well-told account describes how these youthful first responders come face to face with the most personal secrets and tragedies of this very private community. People needing emergency help when people are most vulnerable is both eye opening and life changing for these high school students who often go on to exceptional professional careers.
This, the sixth and final installment of the "Exposure Collection," describes how these young people become exposed to the private lives and stark realities of the powerful, wealthy, and overprotective citizens on one of the least diverse communities in the United States.
Although the author tastefully describes the experiences these young EMTs confront with examples and generalities to protect patient identities, he nonetheless shares how what they experience changes their lives forever. Knowing the unvarnished facts about people and the truths about private or unspeakable behaviors makes these students grow up fast with no illusions of reality.
Adding to the reading experience is the author's own voice narration in Audible's audio companion, adding both emotion and honest tones to the well-written story.
I enjoyed this short and essential part of this series as a worthwhile and informative escape read, having inspirational accounts of one community helps shape their youth for life.
Glad this was the final installment.
February 21, 2022
Post 53 in Darien, Connecticut is a unique social experiment in which teens (16-18 year old high school students) staff the town's ambulance services. The author reflects on how traumatic the exposure to dire injuries was at such a pivotal age and explores the after effects of the constant responsibility and exposure to the city's secrets. They investigate what happened to some of the individuals involved in the program as well as how the town has caught national attention.
The personal experiences described are emotionally impactful and well-told. The horrors described are lessened a bit by my medical and military adjacent experiences but it is true that it can push people into greatness or break them apart. There was a balance to the cost of being part of the Post and the potential benefits. It creates a bond which separates the participants from family and friends who are outside of this select group. While not many will relate to Post 53 experiences, they will relate to this divide, their own moments of stark reality, or stolen childhood time. I only wish that the larger social viewpoints were integrated more. It clearly matters that this community is wealthy, white, and exclusionary for context and understanding of what created the town and the environment around young EMTs... but as so many reviewers comment it kind of feels "tacked on" at points because it isn't given the same personalized references or introspection. The rest of the story wasn't a litany of statistics or name drops.
The personal experiences described are emotionally impactful and well-told. The horrors described are lessened a bit by my medical and military adjacent experiences but it is true that it can push people into greatness or break them apart. There was a balance to the cost of being part of the Post and the potential benefits. It creates a bond which separates the participants from family and friends who are outside of this select group. While not many will relate to Post 53 experiences, they will relate to this divide, their own moments of stark reality, or stolen childhood time. I only wish that the larger social viewpoints were integrated more. It clearly matters that this community is wealthy, white, and exclusionary for context and understanding of what created the town and the environment around young EMTs... but as so many reviewers comment it kind of feels "tacked on" at points because it isn't given the same personalized references or introspection. The rest of the story wasn't a litany of statistics or name drops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2023
Hits too close to home
This book hits very close to home for me on several fronts and like the author and the other teens in his small town that went through what he describes, I too struggle with the same dilemma of sifting out the pro's & con's of "becoming an adult" at the age of 13. (This term is used only in the terms of working an adult job until 10 or sometimes until 1 am each night and all day Saturday.) This same trait carried over to 3 out of 4 of my children as well.
It didn’t change our schooling. If anything, it likely helped us be better students and helped focus us more. We all were incredibly bored, in the honors (GATE) classes, graduated early, rarely ever needed to study for a test, and did homework at lunch. It also helped each of us choose our future careers. There were many, many positive aspects of this part of our lives.
The one major drawback is we didn't have friends our age to just be normal with. To relax, go on a date, dance, learn to socialize, etc. Making matters worse our school was split. Girls went to one school and boys went to another across town. Add to this, like the book, this was predominantly a town of mostly white people. When I started asking questions I was shut down.
I don't regret what we did or the experience but I do feel we missed out on important life lessons.
This is a very thought provoking book. I enjoyed it & recommend it. 👍
📚
This book hits very close to home for me on several fronts and like the author and the other teens in his small town that went through what he describes, I too struggle with the same dilemma of sifting out the pro's & con's of "becoming an adult" at the age of 13. (This term is used only in the terms of working an adult job until 10 or sometimes until 1 am each night and all day Saturday.) This same trait carried over to 3 out of 4 of my children as well.
It didn’t change our schooling. If anything, it likely helped us be better students and helped focus us more. We all were incredibly bored, in the honors (GATE) classes, graduated early, rarely ever needed to study for a test, and did homework at lunch. It also helped each of us choose our future careers. There were many, many positive aspects of this part of our lives.
The one major drawback is we didn't have friends our age to just be normal with. To relax, go on a date, dance, learn to socialize, etc. Making matters worse our school was split. Girls went to one school and boys went to another across town. Add to this, like the book, this was predominantly a town of mostly white people. When I started asking questions I was shut down.
I don't regret what we did or the experience but I do feel we missed out on important life lessons.
This is a very thought provoking book. I enjoyed it & recommend it. 👍
📚
April 18, 2020
A positive tale from the Exposure collection
I like the Exposure collection - which shows the worst of humanity, but Nightcrawlers by Rosecrans Baldwin shows the best of humanity, albeit in the worst of situations.
The best and the brightest high schoolers of a cushy little New England town, with little training, become paramedics.
That New England town does this, and few others do.
These high schoolers are effective at what they do, and in other Exposure collection tales, there would be a corrupt person at the center of this.
At the center of this is a leader who gives the kids tough love, but cares about both them and the patients.
So it's a great tale - and a welcome relief from the rest of the Exposure collection.
It makes me happy to be a human!
I like the Exposure collection - which shows the worst of humanity, but Nightcrawlers by Rosecrans Baldwin shows the best of humanity, albeit in the worst of situations.
The best and the brightest high schoolers of a cushy little New England town, with little training, become paramedics.
That New England town does this, and few others do.
These high schoolers are effective at what they do, and in other Exposure collection tales, there would be a corrupt person at the center of this.
At the center of this is a leader who gives the kids tough love, but cares about both them and the patients.
So it's a great tale - and a welcome relief from the rest of the Exposure collection.
It makes me happy to be a human!
February 22, 2020
Intriguing... and rambling
I did not read an overview of this story before starting to read it (and listen to it read). Focusing on the anomaly of an entirely high school student run emergency services department and written by someone who had served in that department when he was a teen, the story delved into both past and current EMTs thoughts about and reactions to the work. But the author also tries to weave in a story about the community where the emergency services department is, and in my opinion, it doesn’t work well. I understand why the author sees the two topics being intertwined, since he grew up there. But I found it difficult to make the connections between what seemed like two different stories. Perhaps that was the point: a very laudable program in the midst of a questionable past. I think it would have been more effective if the author had been more overt in telling readers that, though.
I did not read an overview of this story before starting to read it (and listen to it read). Focusing on the anomaly of an entirely high school student run emergency services department and written by someone who had served in that department when he was a teen, the story delved into both past and current EMTs thoughts about and reactions to the work. But the author also tries to weave in a story about the community where the emergency services department is, and in my opinion, it doesn’t work well. I understand why the author sees the two topics being intertwined, since he grew up there. But I found it difficult to make the connections between what seemed like two different stories. Perhaps that was the point: a very laudable program in the midst of a questionable past. I think it would have been more effective if the author had been more overt in telling readers that, though.
May 17, 2023
Unexpected insight into Darien CT.
Nightcrawlers wasn’t anything like I expected. I had some time to kill and looked in my audible library for a short listen to make my waiting time tolerable. I figure from the title I was in for horror, or suspense, never I my wildest dreams would I have thought this story would be about teenage volunteer EMTs. While I initially questioned my choice, I figure what the heck you started it go ahead and finish it, and I’m glad I did, it is refreshing to know that there are members of the younger generations who are willing to serve their community is such a vital way. Because of this experience I’ve added the five previous installments of the Exposure collection to my audible library. I think one of more impactful elements of this story was having the author narrate his story, Mr. Baldwin’s delivery wasn’t just well done, his passion for this story shined through in his delivery.
Nightcrawlers wasn’t anything like I expected. I had some time to kill and looked in my audible library for a short listen to make my waiting time tolerable. I figure from the title I was in for horror, or suspense, never I my wildest dreams would I have thought this story would be about teenage volunteer EMTs. While I initially questioned my choice, I figure what the heck you started it go ahead and finish it, and I’m glad I did, it is refreshing to know that there are members of the younger generations who are willing to serve their community is such a vital way. Because of this experience I’ve added the five previous installments of the Exposure collection to my audible library. I think one of more impactful elements of this story was having the author narrate his story, Mr. Baldwin’s delivery wasn’t just well done, his passion for this story shined through in his delivery.
November 2, 2020
I wish I had enjoyed this more than I have done . Unfortunately , there was too much to be told and too little time to do it it seems . The narrative focused on fascinating topics , such as racism in American “sundown towns” and the Post EMT programme , but it failed to draw cohesive connections between the two topics , leaving the reader with a difficult to follow story that seemed to jump around while providing very little context for what was being shared and when . If there had been a stronger connection made between the town ‘s racist history and the programme being discussed , or one or the other had been focused on , then it would have made for a fascinating and informative read , but as it stands , it comes across more as a string of experiences and facts - interesting , but not enough to sustain a reader in me own opinion .
March 14, 2021
I'm giving it 5 stars only because I feel this story has sooo much potential. There are so many parts of this that the author barely touched, but that have the potential be fascinating aspects of this story.
I would have really loved to hear more about how and why this program works in a town like Darien. Is it because these are white protestant kids in a white protestant town? It seems like the answer to that is a resounding yes, so it would have been fascinating to hear more about it.
Regardless, it really is in an interesting story. I would have loved to be a part of a program like that when I was in high school, though I wonder what the long-term effects are on these kids. It also would have been cool to hear more about that!
I would have really loved to hear more about how and why this program works in a town like Darien. Is it because these are white protestant kids in a white protestant town? It seems like the answer to that is a resounding yes, so it would have been fascinating to hear more about it.
Regardless, it really is in an interesting story. I would have loved to be a part of a program like that when I was in high school, though I wonder what the long-term effects are on these kids. It also would have been cool to hear more about that!
June 8, 2019
not worth my time.. the only interesting parts where all in the preview i read on Amazon.. it was merely 38 pages of facts and history on this guys home town.. not what i was interested in..
this could've been a great book.. i am sure this man has many stories about working for years as an adolescent EMT.. instead he merely skips over them.. i thought that was the premise of the book?
too bad.. it had potential.. thankfully i only borrowed it from prime reading.. it was returned about an hour later..
this could've been a great book.. i am sure this man has many stories about working for years as an adolescent EMT.. instead he merely skips over them.. i thought that was the premise of the book?
too bad.. it had potential.. thankfully i only borrowed it from prime reading.. it was returned about an hour later..
March 12, 2023
Nightcrawlers is a short story within Amazon's Exposure collection of short non-fiction stories. My second read in this collection, and much like the first, it felt like a long-form feature that you'd read in a magazine. Very interesting subject matter - the EMS of an exclusive rich CT town is staffed largely by the town's teenagers. A fascinating concept, of which the author was part of as a youth. He reflects back to his time in "Post", and checks in with its current iteration. An easy read in one sitting story.
September 2, 2019
This was a very interesting read. I didn't know anything about Darien's Post 53 (teen EMT's), and the history of this town does not surprise me at all. Most Southern Connecticut towns give you the feeling (if you are a minority) of not being welcomed, and the stares are just an added uneasiness. I really enjoyed this expose on Darien, and while it is a gorgeous town, the ugly ways of the past are still alive and present.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2023
Not Sure of the Story's Real Purpose
It's supposed to be about a small town's Emergency Services run by supervised teenagers, to great success, but an inordinate amount of time was spent decrying the town's homogenous population. It seems to me that there were two parallel, but unrelated stories. What does one say about the other? Not much that I can understand. The medical story was very interesting and more information about it would have been welcomed.
It's supposed to be about a small town's Emergency Services run by supervised teenagers, to great success, but an inordinate amount of time was spent decrying the town's homogenous population. It seems to me that there were two parallel, but unrelated stories. What does one say about the other? Not much that I can understand. The medical story was very interesting and more information about it would have been welcomed.
January 3, 2025
The true story of Darien, Connecticut’s Post 53, a group of teenage volunteer EMTs. I am not clear on what was being revealed; to me, this piece is more a curious human interest story than exposé and, therefore, an odd inclusion in the “Exposure Collection.” That said, the fact a program like this exists is fascinating and I wish the author would have focused more on the history of Post 53 and its impacts on the volunteers and community rather than detailing the background of Darien as a sunset town. While the latter topic was equally interesting and may have been covered to juxtapose the good and bad of Darien, it took away from the actual subject matter of the title.
June 7, 2019
This was free from Amazon prime as part of the Exposure collection. This was a short, interesting story about Darien Connecticut using teens as part of its EMS squad. While that aspect was interesting, what I found even more intriguing was the portrayal of Darien as a "sundown" town and closed community; I would have like to hear more of that.
June 9, 2019
Amazing young people
Fascinating story about the emergency medical services run by teenagers in Darien, CT. This story pulled no punches showing the kids as the best part of the town that the Stepford Wives movies were based on. I admire these kids for stepping up to help in some very scary situations.
Fascinating story about the emergency medical services run by teenagers in Darien, CT. This story pulled no punches showing the kids as the best part of the town that the Stepford Wives movies were based on. I admire these kids for stepping up to help in some very scary situations.
June 27, 2019
This was my second read in Amazon’s “Exposed” collection and was just a gripping as the first in a really different way. Overall, this read like an extended profile of an interesting situation – a local ambulance service staffed almost entirely by high school students. Loved that the writer had been part of The Post themselves – it definitely added to the story.
July 2, 2019
More about Darien than Post 53
The story’s meant to be about the EMT service run by teenagers — which it is — but that serves as a backdrop to the town of Darien, CT. I’m not sure that the author answers his question about why Post 53 prospers in this town, but the stories and insights were interesting.
The story’s meant to be about the EMT service run by teenagers — which it is — but that serves as a backdrop to the town of Darien, CT. I’m not sure that the author answers his question about why Post 53 prospers in this town, but the stories and insights were interesting.
May 14, 2020
This was a free book from Amazon. It turns out it’s actually a short story about a small town in CT that is known as a town of resistance. The story highlights the affluence of the town and a program called Post. Post is a fully functional ambulance service run by volunteers that are teenagers. Overall very interesting but very short.
January 15, 2021
Nicely done by the author
Many folks, including me, would have appreciated a similar experience to those admitted to Post 53. People can do anything. Provided the opportunity and training, all ages can be expected to do many things outside the realm thought possible.
Sadly, the main point lacking these days is opportunity. Teens, especially, are not given credit.
Many folks, including me, would have appreciated a similar experience to those admitted to Post 53. People can do anything. Provided the opportunity and training, all ages can be expected to do many things outside the realm thought possible.
Sadly, the main point lacking these days is opportunity. Teens, especially, are not given credit.
February 12, 2021
There is a town in Connecticut where the teenagers act as EMTs. Such an odd little vignette from WASPY entitled New Englanders. The author was one of these teenagers, and he reflects on the town’s strange combination of wild affluence, legacy of racism, and the unique experience that acting as a teenage emergency medical worker gave him.
July 26, 2023
Fascinating Book About Teenage EMTs & History Of Darien CT!!
Wow, what a Fascinating Read!!:-). This book about Post 53 in CT where Adolescents are EMTs is SOOOOO AWESOME!!!:-). Not only do you gain insight into this incredible organization & its’ benefits for youth, but you also learn a great deal about the history of Darien CT both good and bad!!! LOVED IT!!:-)
Wow, what a Fascinating Read!!:-). This book about Post 53 in CT where Adolescents are EMTs is SOOOOO AWESOME!!!:-). Not only do you gain insight into this incredible organization & its’ benefits for youth, but you also learn a great deal about the history of Darien CT both good and bad!!! LOVED IT!!:-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews