These are the trying, true stories of the mobile emergency medical technicians who often are the only thing standing between any one of us and death. Author Pat Ivey uses her extensive firsthand experiences, as well as an unflinching eye for drama and detail, to bring us the unheard tales of heroism and courage of the EMT units. She takes us into a hidden world of children in need, women seeking shelter from the storm of abuse, and the realities of industrial accidents. A simple car crash turns into a Herculean effort, an epic struggle against the clock and against the odds. Tragic misfortunes that usually occur silently in everyday America and the men and women who try to heal these heart‐pounding predicaments are put reverently on stage in this heroic, honest, and compassionate compilation of true action adventures.

Emergency! Emergency! 911 I have an emergency which rescue team should I call? A Police Officer? firefighter? an Ambulance? Astronaut? Scuba Diver? Plumber? Rescue Dog? Lifeguard? Helicopter Pilot? Electrical Engineer? Cub scout? Park Ranger? Tow Truck Driver? Emergency Rescue Team, I need help!

Most firefighters join the fire service when they are young-their teens or early twenties. Alan Knoche was an exception in that he joined when he was in his late thirties. He had a lot of catching up to do, but with life experiences in the Navy, the submarine service, and working at a nuclear power facility behind him, he quickly progressed from rookie to assistant fire chief. A top responder in a volunteer fire department that answered an average of two emergency calls a day, he fought fires, cut people out of crushed automobiles, and rescued victims from everything from a quarry collapse to a gumball machine. As an EMT, he also responded to thousands of medical and trauma calls and helped people who were experiencing the worst day of their lives. These stories relate some of the emergencies he faced on his "second job." They are gritty, often challenging, and sometimes sad, but actual life-threatening incidents are seldom pleasant. That's not to say it's all serious. The occasional humorous or comical event is what helps emergency responders cope with the catastrophic and tragic sights they see on a daily basis. The men and women he served with are some of the most dedicated, talented, resourceful, skilled, and sometimes insane people you could ever hope to show up when you're having your worst day. They made these stories possible.

Discusses the job and encounters that a paramedic may experience. Also includes the history of the profession, along with the different levels of training involved.

New to This Edition Updated to reflect the 2010 emergency cardiovascular care guidelines. New chapter on Abuse and Assault, plus a totally revised chapter on Patient Assessment that aligns with the new National Education Standards. Case-in-Point boxes feature real-life case studies that challenge you to apply related concepts covered in the chapter. Real World boxes highlight important issues involving geriatric and pediatric patients, cultural considerations, and on-scene information. Extended Transport boxes address the needs of rural EMTs by highlighting necessary information for long transports. More than 150 new photographs and clear, easy-to-read text make this edition clinically relevant, interesting to read, and easy to comprehend. A companion DVD includes video skills and medical animations -- publisher's website.

"Kevin Grange details nearly everything that possibly could go wrong in a national park and yet still manages to make you more excited than ever to hit the trail." —Conor Knighton, New York Times bestselling author of Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park Wild Rescues is a fast-paced, firsthand glimpse into the exciting lives of paramedics who work with the National Park Service: a unique brand of park rangers who respond to medical and traumatic emergencies in some of the most isolated and rugged parts of America. In 2014, Kevin Grange left his job as a paramedic in Los Angeles to work in a response area with 2.2 million acres: Yellowstone National Park. Seeking a break from city life and urban EMS, he wanted to experience pure nature, fulfill his dream of working for the National Park Service, and take a crash-course in wilderness medicine. Grange's epic journey took him to Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Teton National Parks where, among other calls, he battled to save the lives of a heart attack victim at Old Faithful, a hiker who'd fractured his skull below Yosemite Falls, and a snowmobiler who launched into a deep gorge in the shadow of the jagged Tetons. Grange was initially overwhelmed—and out of his element—providing patient care in an extreme environment with limited resources and a two-hour drive to the nearest hospital. But he came to enjoy the challenges and steep learning curve of wilderness medicine. Between calls, Grange reflects upon the democratic ideal of the National Park mission, the beauty of the land, and the many threats facing it. With visitation rising, budgets shrinking, and people loving our parks to death, he realized that—along with the health of his patients—he was also fighting for the life of "America's Best Idea."

A Gripping Account of Life as a First Responder Michael Morse, an eighteen year veteran firefighter and EMT, takes you along for the ride as he and his fellow officers respond to emergency calls on the streets of Providence, RI. Race from one call to the next as Morse goes from facing life and death emergencies to treating minor injuries and carting drunks to detox. See for yourself how difficult, frustrating and at times heartbreaking this job can be, as lives are lost, scarce medical resources squandered and futures altered. Experience the heartache and joy of losing and saving lives during this incredible journey. The story that unfolds is true and the people are real. This edition includes Michael Morse’s Rescuing Providence and Rescue 1 Responding.