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Fighting for Your Life: A Paramedic's Story
A teenage boy lies on the pavement, bleeding to death from a stab wound; a distraught mom watches, in mute shock, as her daughter suffers a terrifying fatal asthma attack; a young girl is gang raped and her stricken boyfriend takes an overdose; a disturbed young man flings himself in front of a speeding train at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. Few people can imagine living in a world where such situations are part of everyday life. Yet for London Ambulance Paramedic Lysa Walder, these and thousands of other emergency calls are part of a day's work—scenes of tragedy, loss, and horror—but also stories of triumph and humor, and all the results of an urgent 999 call to the biggest and busiest free ambulance service in the world. Here, she tells the inside story behind the screaming sirens and flashing blue lights of the emergency services and reveals what it's really like to work in a job that frequently brings paramedic teams face-to-face with death—and destiny.
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First published August 4, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
July 7, 2020
I found no connection to the writer, other paramedics or patients. This could have/should have been a fascinating read and a real insight to the world of paramedics. Instead, it seemed as though the author was racing through to get as much ‘shock factor’ in with the many snippets of cases attended rather than bringing you along with her.
May 31, 2020
A very interesting insight told from the perspective of a London Ambulance Service paramedic.
I find non-fiction reading thoroughly captivating when it is dealing with everyday situations without being overly dramatic, negative or unnecessarily graphic. This is one of those reads. There are scenes of tragedy, heroism and some inevitable loss but Lysa Walder gives a realistic view of what these situations would be like on a day-to-day basis.
As stated in the book, this would be a valuable read for those considering the career and those of us who just enjoy knowing a little more about the experiences of others.
I find non-fiction reading thoroughly captivating when it is dealing with everyday situations without being overly dramatic, negative or unnecessarily graphic. This is one of those reads. There are scenes of tragedy, heroism and some inevitable loss but Lysa Walder gives a realistic view of what these situations would be like on a day-to-day basis.
As stated in the book, this would be a valuable read for those considering the career and those of us who just enjoy knowing a little more about the experiences of others.
February 10, 2022
British paramedics have all the fun, it seems, if you like high-stakes medical calls and bizarre illnesses. And I do! I love them! This book is easy to read, each chapter being a little vignette about a patient or a call. The author is a little pious at times in praise of her profession, and she borders on humble-bragging from time to time, but then again, she and her colleagues are literally saving lives, so she deserves to be. I really enjoyed the stories of her patients.
November 30, 2020
(written originally on audible)...
So I got 4/5ths through this audiobook...
Content wise I was engaged for most of this, with a few small niggling concerns a. the descriptions of some people were using terminology that was demeaning and judgemental at best, you're able to describe individuals without being rude and that the spin the author makes is certainly that she is one angelic fantastic human being. I'm not trying to demean the profession the very rare occasions I have required paramedic assistance I have not been able to fault them, their kindness and calming nature whilst managing to work quickly and efficiently to save people's lives is astounding and something I admire. But the book came across in places as a bit of a love story to herself. But like I said this wasn't a huge problem as the cases were interesting and still engaging that I continued.
Until. Mental Health.. one case references an individual with a personality disorder. To direct quote "The doctors say he has some sort of personality disorder rather than a mental illness so he can't be treated by medication. A personality disorder is all about learned behaviour rather than a chemical imbalance in the brain which can be treated by drugs" for starters personality disorders are mental illnesses. Also another area where medication is concerned dependant on the type of disorder medication may be used or where not primarily recommended they will be used to treat specific symptoms and co-occurring mental disorders which is extremely common. (There is also some promising research regarding new mood stabilising drugs that may become useful however we cannot fault the author for this bit as this is very very very new information).
Now if we look at the comment of "learned behaviours" actually the MAJORITY of the individuals have experienced major trauma (many of which has happened in childhood) and this then manifests itself in the VICTIMS as certain Personality Disorders. My concern here is that reference to Personality Disorders in an offhanded and harmful way that listeners who have a limited understanding or limited previous interactions with these disorders have ingrained into their subconscious a negative bias towards individuals within this category.
There are ten different personality disorders, which are grouped into 3 clusters based on typing. Then beyond that if we take just one of these formally in the UK Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), now known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) or in other circles EID there are 9 symptoms of which an individual needs to meet at least 5 in any combination to be diagnosed, this means there are 256 combinations and each symptom in its own right can then manifest itself differently in each person.
So to attach an individual man's actions such a sweeping statement that engrosses a group of MENTAL ILLNESSES that the individual may have, not even considering the highly likely coexisting disorders he may also be struggling with, Also the fact that he in himself is not just his diagnosis but also an individual, is for any health professional very concerning and reckless.
Despite this infraction I continued, only a couple of scenes later we have yet another Mental Health call. Terminology used to describe this man was absolutely disgusting including "pathetic, mad man, berserk, sinister, flipped." I find the words used to describe him shows a lack of empathy despite her claims to the contrary. I mean the author tells us she got a glowing review on this scene, the man "inexplicably trusted them [the paramedics over the police I wouldn't exactly say it's surprising]." The man is clearly in the grips of psychosis she provides evidence "mutterings" including " I must hurt, kill me" and to be fair he is holding a bread knife. Now she's given us the details herself in the scene the man is a harm to himself not once does she claim that he has made threats, that the knife was pointed in their directions, that he used vulgar language that he even raised his voice, so his actions [at this time which is what is relevant to the call] are that the man is experiencing psychosis and is a harm to himself yet the author spins this. It came across as she was trying to make him appear scarier in order to puff herself up, MH is easy to use to do this as there is still a prominent lack of understanding for the community.
I also found the mention of his actions later were to continue to bolster her opinion of how dangerous he is, however we are given very little context or detail regarding that situation which is pretty understandable considering the author WAS NOT PRESENT! Therefore I found it wholly irrelevant.
Again she adds a harmful reference to medication "making people feel much better" and the authors approach that if individuals just continued to take their medication there wouldnt be a problem, this ignores the very evident string of treatment resistant mental illnesses, the fact that there are very real and extremely harmful side effects to these strong medications, these individuals many times are having to choose between what the lesser evil is, the fact that managing more complex illnesses may require regular medication tweaking since mental illness fluctuates, that medication may stop working and amongst many many other variables medication is very rarely the only form of treatment used (pretty important to note for the personality disorders case also).
Now my final concern here is I have very little knowledge of the other areas covered in this book so I can not pick them apart. I am aware of these stories having some damaging language. Which makes me concerned as to what areas of the book perhaps for instance alcoholism to which I am not as familiar may have also provided harmful bias into my subconscious that I may now carry around with me. I will not continue reading this book.
I'm sorry for the lengthy review. I'm not sure if this will affect other people purchasing this book or audiobook, but I wasn't able to in good conscious not say something.
So I got 4/5ths through this audiobook...
Content wise I was engaged for most of this, with a few small niggling concerns a. the descriptions of some people were using terminology that was demeaning and judgemental at best, you're able to describe individuals without being rude and that the spin the author makes is certainly that she is one angelic fantastic human being. I'm not trying to demean the profession the very rare occasions I have required paramedic assistance I have not been able to fault them, their kindness and calming nature whilst managing to work quickly and efficiently to save people's lives is astounding and something I admire. But the book came across in places as a bit of a love story to herself. But like I said this wasn't a huge problem as the cases were interesting and still engaging that I continued.
Until. Mental Health.. one case references an individual with a personality disorder. To direct quote "The doctors say he has some sort of personality disorder rather than a mental illness so he can't be treated by medication. A personality disorder is all about learned behaviour rather than a chemical imbalance in the brain which can be treated by drugs" for starters personality disorders are mental illnesses. Also another area where medication is concerned dependant on the type of disorder medication may be used or where not primarily recommended they will be used to treat specific symptoms and co-occurring mental disorders which is extremely common. (There is also some promising research regarding new mood stabilising drugs that may become useful however we cannot fault the author for this bit as this is very very very new information).
Now if we look at the comment of "learned behaviours" actually the MAJORITY of the individuals have experienced major trauma (many of which has happened in childhood) and this then manifests itself in the VICTIMS as certain Personality Disorders. My concern here is that reference to Personality Disorders in an offhanded and harmful way that listeners who have a limited understanding or limited previous interactions with these disorders have ingrained into their subconscious a negative bias towards individuals within this category.
There are ten different personality disorders, which are grouped into 3 clusters based on typing. Then beyond that if we take just one of these formally in the UK Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), now known as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) or in other circles EID there are 9 symptoms of which an individual needs to meet at least 5 in any combination to be diagnosed, this means there are 256 combinations and each symptom in its own right can then manifest itself differently in each person.
So to attach an individual man's actions such a sweeping statement that engrosses a group of MENTAL ILLNESSES that the individual may have, not even considering the highly likely coexisting disorders he may also be struggling with, Also the fact that he in himself is not just his diagnosis but also an individual, is for any health professional very concerning and reckless.
Despite this infraction I continued, only a couple of scenes later we have yet another Mental Health call. Terminology used to describe this man was absolutely disgusting including "pathetic, mad man, berserk, sinister, flipped." I find the words used to describe him shows a lack of empathy despite her claims to the contrary. I mean the author tells us she got a glowing review on this scene, the man "inexplicably trusted them [the paramedics over the police I wouldn't exactly say it's surprising]." The man is clearly in the grips of psychosis she provides evidence "mutterings" including " I must hurt, kill me" and to be fair he is holding a bread knife. Now she's given us the details herself in the scene the man is a harm to himself not once does she claim that he has made threats, that the knife was pointed in their directions, that he used vulgar language that he even raised his voice, so his actions [at this time which is what is relevant to the call] are that the man is experiencing psychosis and is a harm to himself yet the author spins this. It came across as she was trying to make him appear scarier in order to puff herself up, MH is easy to use to do this as there is still a prominent lack of understanding for the community.
I also found the mention of his actions later were to continue to bolster her opinion of how dangerous he is, however we are given very little context or detail regarding that situation which is pretty understandable considering the author WAS NOT PRESENT! Therefore I found it wholly irrelevant.
Again she adds a harmful reference to medication "making people feel much better" and the authors approach that if individuals just continued to take their medication there wouldnt be a problem, this ignores the very evident string of treatment resistant mental illnesses, the fact that there are very real and extremely harmful side effects to these strong medications, these individuals many times are having to choose between what the lesser evil is, the fact that managing more complex illnesses may require regular medication tweaking since mental illness fluctuates, that medication may stop working and amongst many many other variables medication is very rarely the only form of treatment used (pretty important to note for the personality disorders case also).
Now my final concern here is I have very little knowledge of the other areas covered in this book so I can not pick them apart. I am aware of these stories having some damaging language. Which makes me concerned as to what areas of the book perhaps for instance alcoholism to which I am not as familiar may have also provided harmful bias into my subconscious that I may now carry around with me. I will not continue reading this book.
I'm sorry for the lengthy review. I'm not sure if this will affect other people purchasing this book or audiobook, but I wasn't able to in good conscious not say something.
March 19, 2021
Wow! What an emotive book! This book made me feel all the feels.
This book is really well structured, with lots of easy to read, short chapters with specific themes.
This book features more hard hitting, sad and traumatic stories than funny, light hearted moments although, there are a few of those sprinkled throughout.
The stories in this book really made me stop and think about life, death and the incredible job the paramedics do with so little praise or support.
There was some really hard hitting stories mentioned in this book which made me tear up at times and others which made me chuckle.
I was also glad this book focused on the stories of the patients and not the politics of the NHS, although this book was written over 10 years ago now.
Highly recommend if you love medical memoirs! One of the best out there!
TW: death, violence, suicide, rape, murder, sexual assault, drug and alcohol addiction and child abuse/neglect
This book is really well structured, with lots of easy to read, short chapters with specific themes.
This book features more hard hitting, sad and traumatic stories than funny, light hearted moments although, there are a few of those sprinkled throughout.
The stories in this book really made me stop and think about life, death and the incredible job the paramedics do with so little praise or support.
There was some really hard hitting stories mentioned in this book which made me tear up at times and others which made me chuckle.
I was also glad this book focused on the stories of the patients and not the politics of the NHS, although this book was written over 10 years ago now.
Highly recommend if you love medical memoirs! One of the best out there!
TW: death, violence, suicide, rape, murder, sexual assault, drug and alcohol addiction and child abuse/neglect
July 5, 2020
I could not put this book down. It’s absolutely amazing, I finished it in one day
April 11, 2021
Heartwarming, sad, funny, visually graphic. A no holds barred recollection of life as a paramedic. A book everyone should read in their lifetime.
February 8, 2023
Świetna! Bardzo fajnie manewruje pomiędzy przypadkami smutnymi, tragicznymi i tymi, przy których człowiek aż się śmieje, bo tak bardzo są absurdalne. Po przesłuchaniu kilku takich książek myślę, że te wszystkie seriale o służbach może nie są wcale takie przesadzone, bo najlepsze, najsmutniejsze i najdziwniejsze historie pisze samo życie.
Może i nie jest to pozycja otwierająca oczy, ale jest świetnie napisana, lekko, ale nie kpiąco i przede wszystkim nie moralizuje! Pokazuje po prostu różne strony naprawdę niedocenianego zawodu. Mega doceniam!
Może i nie jest to pozycja otwierająca oczy, ale jest świetnie napisana, lekko, ale nie kpiąco i przede wszystkim nie moralizuje! Pokazuje po prostu różne strony naprawdę niedocenianego zawodu. Mega doceniam!
June 28, 2020
London born Lysa spent her formative years in the circus as a trapeze artist and ringmistress, but later trained as a Nurse, Paramedic and Clinical Specialist.
In Fighting For Your Life, Lysa brings to the fore some of the most heart breaking, gut wrenching and ridiculous stories of her time as a Paramedic. From searching for human entrails on a railway line, to being mistaken for Raquel from Corrie, you'll laugh out loud, cry out loud and if you're anything like me say "what on earth?" out loud several times too! If you like the latest trend of true life medical memoirs, you'll love "Fighting for Your Life".
In Fighting For Your Life, Lysa brings to the fore some of the most heart breaking, gut wrenching and ridiculous stories of her time as a Paramedic. From searching for human entrails on a railway line, to being mistaken for Raquel from Corrie, you'll laugh out loud, cry out loud and if you're anything like me say "what on earth?" out loud several times too! If you like the latest trend of true life medical memoirs, you'll love "Fighting for Your Life".
July 20, 2023
5/5 ⭐
w skrócie - obowiązkowa lektura dla wszystkich ludzi. każdy człowiek powienien poznać pracę ratownika medycznego od ich perspektywy. może w końcu społeczeństwa nabierze szacunku dla grupy zawodowej tak niedocenianej, a jednocześnie tak potrzebnej.
w skrócie - obowiązkowa lektura dla wszystkich ludzi. każdy człowiek powienien poznać pracę ratownika medycznego od ich perspektywy. może w końcu społeczeństwa nabierze szacunku dla grupy zawodowej tak niedocenianej, a jednocześnie tak potrzebnej.
July 4, 2021
Najlepsza książka tego roku. Bezkonkurencyjne pięć gwiazdek.
September 2, 2018
This has been a book that has been laying around my house for a bit. Refreshingly enough it is a book that is about one emergency responder within the U.K., some of the calls she has done over the years, and her opinions or thoughts that stem from those same experiences.
The reader is given a chance to see what it takes to respond to emergencies and, if they aren't a part of the U.K., to see the comparisons of the medical response teams and other closely related groups. As a result it is both a memoir and a cultulral snapshot to interested readers.
Due to the nature of the book most of the chapters do contain a bit of a graphic account that is not for the squeamish. Since she chose so many of these graphic accounts and so many of these patients died was a bit of a letdown to me. As a result of her including so many ways that calls go wrong for those who need their services I feel that the book was a bit of a letdown.
At the same time Lysa keeps her professinal manner in her writing. As a writing focused on response to people in danger there is very little surrender to emotional under- or overtone. Although she does get a bit tongue-in-cheek in some areas or a bit sad it doesn't shine as brightly as other emotional reads.
Otherwise the book was a great read and one that has opened my eyes on so many levels. Again it isn't for the squeamish and with some of its lewd nature it would also be a much better read for adult readers.
The reader is given a chance to see what it takes to respond to emergencies and, if they aren't a part of the U.K., to see the comparisons of the medical response teams and other closely related groups. As a result it is both a memoir and a cultulral snapshot to interested readers.
Due to the nature of the book most of the chapters do contain a bit of a graphic account that is not for the squeamish. Since she chose so many of these graphic accounts and so many of these patients died was a bit of a letdown to me. As a result of her including so many ways that calls go wrong for those who need their services I feel that the book was a bit of a letdown.
At the same time Lysa keeps her professinal manner in her writing. As a writing focused on response to people in danger there is very little surrender to emotional under- or overtone. Although she does get a bit tongue-in-cheek in some areas or a bit sad it doesn't shine as brightly as other emotional reads.
Otherwise the book was a great read and one that has opened my eyes on so many levels. Again it isn't for the squeamish and with some of its lewd nature it would also be a much better read for adult readers.
September 15, 2021
I feel bad for giving this book only 2-stars because I did enjoy listening to the audiobook version. However as a mental health researcher I cannot in good faith commend the language used to describe the mental health cases.
There is a huge stigma surrounding serious mental illness and this book did nothing to disperse it. I certainly wouldn't describe personality disorders as 'learned behaviour' and while most aren't normally treatable with medication, there are treatment options available. Similarly not all mental illnesses are caused by chemical imbalances (and even the ones thought to be are much more nuanced than just that) and many patients do not get better on the available medication and turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
The language used throughout came across as judgemental and lacking in empathy. For a book talking about real-life situations where often people lost their loved ones, I found this a bit inappropriate. There is a good chance that at least some of the people discussed in the book will read it and I cannot imagine how it'll make them feel.
Similarly, the statement that fire fighters are less busy than paramedics didn't seem like a valid comparison.
There is a huge stigma surrounding serious mental illness and this book did nothing to disperse it. I certainly wouldn't describe personality disorders as 'learned behaviour' and while most aren't normally treatable with medication, there are treatment options available. Similarly not all mental illnesses are caused by chemical imbalances (and even the ones thought to be are much more nuanced than just that) and many patients do not get better on the available medication and turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
The language used throughout came across as judgemental and lacking in empathy. For a book talking about real-life situations where often people lost their loved ones, I found this a bit inappropriate. There is a good chance that at least some of the people discussed in the book will read it and I cannot imagine how it'll make them feel.
Similarly, the statement that fire fighters are less busy than paramedics didn't seem like a valid comparison.
February 21, 2021
I'm obsessed with medical memoirs and this one was brilliant. I know a great deal about what goes on within the hospital but other than the odd Paramedic report I read in a patient's ward notes, I didn't know a huge amount as to the extent of the patients that Paramedics look after and the scenarios they get faced with. I of course knew about the time-wasters (I think we all do) but this gave a real insight into so much.
It is truly shocking that people waste the emergency services time in the way they do and I hope enough people read this that change can be made, however small. 'Tips On Calling 999' was a great chapter to include at the end.
All in all this was just fascinating, entertaining, enlightening and up there as one of my favourite medical memoirs. I didn't feel like there was an awful lot of medical terms that needed to be explained either, which is rare for a medical memoir.
It is truly shocking that people waste the emergency services time in the way they do and I hope enough people read this that change can be made, however small. 'Tips On Calling 999' was a great chapter to include at the end.
All in all this was just fascinating, entertaining, enlightening and up there as one of my favourite medical memoirs. I didn't feel like there was an awful lot of medical terms that needed to be explained either, which is rare for a medical memoir.
January 1, 2021
I don't usually write reviews but this one deserves 5 stars! In a year when we have seen our NHS doing the amazing work they do, this book just highlights how much work they do day in day out. The book ranges from trauma cases all the way through to an elderly faller. The care and compassion that Lysa and the other paramedics in these true life stories show is exceptional. I feel very lucky to have our NHS.
February 24, 2021
An interesting read with lots of stories, some a little upsetting.
Well worth a read.
Well worth a read.
June 13, 2021
4 Stars
I really enjoyed reading this book! Even more than I thought I would. Each story is short but packs a punch and is well written and filled with emotion. At times I almost felt like I was there with Lysa. There are a lot of triggering stories so if you struggle with anything medical themed then I wouldn't recommend reading this book. However the stories were all so interesting. They were a good mix of sad, shocking, stressful and even funny. There was not one story that let the book down and the book shows just how much awful stuff paramedics have to deal with and how incredible the people that do these jobs are. It takes a very strong and brave person to step into this role and I felt incredibly lucky to know that people like Lysa are there to help us on our worst days. A fantastic read and one I highly recommend.
I really enjoyed reading this book! Even more than I thought I would. Each story is short but packs a punch and is well written and filled with emotion. At times I almost felt like I was there with Lysa. There are a lot of triggering stories so if you struggle with anything medical themed then I wouldn't recommend reading this book. However the stories were all so interesting. They were a good mix of sad, shocking, stressful and even funny. There was not one story that let the book down and the book shows just how much awful stuff paramedics have to deal with and how incredible the people that do these jobs are. It takes a very strong and brave person to step into this role and I felt incredibly lucky to know that people like Lysa are there to help us on our worst days. A fantastic read and one I highly recommend.
October 5, 2024
As a former Australian intensive care paramedic I don't read too many ambulance books (although I wrote one in 1999). Nor do I watch ambulance shows. However my daughter bought me a copy of Fighting for Your Life for my birthday. I am so glad she did. It is a beauty. It is the fastest I have ever read a book. A real page-turner. Fabulous stories and very realistic. 4.5 stars.
February 21, 2025
Open and honest memoir of life working as a paramedic and a female one at that. Filled with many different cases some funny some disgraceful. Would definitely recommend and read other books from this amazing woman x
May 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this audiobook. An insight into the life of a paramedic working in London, fascinating, harrowing and hilarious. I would recommend to listen if you can.
March 15, 2021
Wow. This was a very emotional and sometimes triggering read. It’s one of those books where you read a few chapters and then have to put it down to gather your thoughts together. Lysa is a paramedic for the London Ambulance Service and each chapter is about a call-out that she attended and recounted in quite graphic detail. Very interesting insight into the world of being a paramedic!
March 14, 2021
This book has only emphasised the admiration I already have for Paramedics, and for anyone who works for the health service. We as a nation, are so lucky and privileged to have the health service that we do. It opened my eyes, made me laugh, shocked me and also made me mad at times. So many time wasters out there, who don’t realise that 999 is already stretched, and really don’t need to be on the phone to someone who doesn’t know where Homebase is, sorry, spoiler alert. All in all an interesting book and a very enjoyable read. Everyone should read it.
May 12, 2020
Great read!
I enjoyed reading this book and leaning about the sights that the paramedics have to see and the trouble and torment that they go through on a daily basis to ensure that the general public is cared for. Although there is chapters missing from this kindle book it still doesn’t take away the clarity and understanding of what it’s like for a day in the life of a paramedic.
I enjoyed reading this book and leaning about the sights that the paramedics have to see and the trouble and torment that they go through on a daily basis to ensure that the general public is cared for. Although there is chapters missing from this kindle book it still doesn’t take away the clarity and understanding of what it’s like for a day in the life of a paramedic.
August 3, 2024
3.5* A great look into the older style of ambulance work and some of the more traumatic jobs that crews go to. A wide range of calls from trauma to paediatric and also a good look at the range of mental health (MH) complaints. MH is an even bigger part of ambulance work now since Covid and sadly it still is a long process where often people do not help themselves.
The major flaw I have with it is how it portrays the abuse that the ambulance crew gained as acceptable as part of the job. This is not acceptable and it is now being more actively discouraged but is perpetuating an ongoing myth that it is "Part of the job". This is not something crews should ever have to put up with. I agree it is a risk but should never be acceptable.
The major flaw I have with it is how it portrays the abuse that the ambulance crew gained as acceptable as part of the job. This is not acceptable and it is now being more actively discouraged but is perpetuating an ongoing myth that it is "Part of the job". This is not something crews should ever have to put up with. I agree it is a risk but should never be acceptable.
January 23, 2022
This was an extremely informative and easy to listen to audible read. I’ve always been fascinated by the work of paramedics (born from weekly Casualty viewing and most recently, having one of my very good friends in that particular profession) and this was definitely a read which opened my eyes a little bit more into the day to day workings of the ambulance service.
It helpfully concluded with some ‘tips’ to assist the ambulance service; very much common sense to some, but I was particularly shocked that the author (an ex paramedic herself) had to actually ‘state the obvious’. Devastating in parts but I’m pleased I’ve read this.
It helpfully concluded with some ‘tips’ to assist the ambulance service; very much common sense to some, but I was particularly shocked that the author (an ex paramedic herself) had to actually ‘state the obvious’. Devastating in parts but I’m pleased I’ve read this.
February 5, 2025
Reportaż o skrajnych historiach, które spotykają londyńskich ratowników medycznych. Nie było to coś, co mnie w jakiś sposób zaszokowało. Jako rozszerzenie tematu w formie przygód ratownika – ciekawe.
Niestety, ta książka była pisana lub/i tłumaczona pobieżnie. Błędy ortograficzne, w budowie zdań i niedoprecyzowania.
Dziecko miało 3 miesiące, gdy Lisa je uratowała; spotkała je po 4 latach i jest piękną 6-latką (to dziecko). To jeden z przykładów.
Samych błędów nie było aż tak dużo, żeby nie dało się tego czytać, ale przeszkadzały.
Rozdziały nie zostały poprawnie dopasowane do działów.
Nie wspomnę już o tym że redaktor wpisał do przypisów serial z 2013 a książka została napisana w 2008.
Ogólnie przyjemna książka ale nie polecam, jeśli szukacie czegoś typu dziennik ratownika medycznego, co mógłby sugerować tytuł.
Niestety, ta książka była pisana lub/i tłumaczona pobieżnie. Błędy ortograficzne, w budowie zdań i niedoprecyzowania.
Dziecko miało 3 miesiące, gdy Lisa je uratowała; spotkała je po 4 latach i jest piękną 6-latką (to dziecko). To jeden z przykładów.
Samych błędów nie było aż tak dużo, żeby nie dało się tego czytać, ale przeszkadzały.
Rozdziały nie zostały poprawnie dopasowane do działów.
Nie wspomnę już o tym że redaktor wpisał do przypisów serial z 2013 a książka została napisana w 2008.
Ogólnie przyjemna książka ale nie polecam, jeśli szukacie czegoś typu dziennik ratownika medycznego, co mógłby sugerować tytuł.
July 27, 2025
The stories in this book are sometimes shocking and really make you see exactly what the NHS and the paramedics do for us all, they really are heroes.
To think that these stories are real-life and one paramedic attended these alone you definitely have to be a certain person to be able to deal with these call outs and still be ok to go back to work the next day, all I can say is thank you for what you do!!
To think that these stories are real-life and one paramedic attended these alone you definitely have to be a certain person to be able to deal with these call outs and still be ok to go back to work the next day, all I can say is thank you for what you do!!
February 9, 2024
I read it in less than 24 hours. It's a series of very short stories. Only bare essentials of the story are given, it's a clinical description not an emotive one. But that doesn't mean there are not emotions. It's powerful reading. Desperately sad and often concerning.
August 14, 2024
Bardzo przyjemna książka, napisana z dużą dozą poczucia humoru, przedstawiającą pracę Londyńskich ratowników medycznych. Dużo wartościowej wiedzy, zwłaszcza na końcu w rozdziale poświęconym temu, jak społeczeństwo powinno zachować się w kryzysowych sytuacjach.
December 24, 2021
Książka bardzo przyjemna. Jedynym minusem jest to że większość historii kończy się źle, przez co przestajesz patrzeć na życie optymistycznie. Polecam mimo to.
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