Paramedic : On the Front Lines of Medicine

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Summary: Squad 51 for the '90s. A GREAT READ.
Review: This book is a fantastic blend of gritty front-line medical care and insightful public policy perspectives. In this autobiographical journey, the author moves back and forth between the ghettos of Hartford, Connecticut, and the halls of the state legislature and healthcare bureaucracy. Mr. Canning's unique perspective (based on his experience as both a senior advisor to the governor of Connecticut and as a paramedic) on emergency medicine results in a book that raises as many questions as it answers. I, for one, intend to find out a lot more about the quality of my community's emergency response facilities, and Mr. Canning has told me exactly what questions to ask. However, it would be a mistake to think that this book is merely another exposition on the status of healthcare in America. As much as anything, this book is an examination of how we go about making life choices. Mr. Canning is refreshingly honest in examining what it is he wants out of life, and how difficult the trade-offs are when we take one particular crossroad rather than another. For anyone (at any age) still wondering "what they want to be when they grow up", or thinking that they can't change a career path in mid stream, READ THIS BOOK. It will inspire you. And even if you're not interested in public policy or self-examination, you'll find the book AT LEAST as entertaining as the best episode of "ER".

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Summary: Good True Stories, But Also Tries To Make Political Statemen
Review: This is the most true to life book I've ever read about Emergency Medical Services. Peter Canning writes about every aspect of EMS. From his partners to his best and worst calls, to the stress on and off the job to the low pay, to the dangers faced by paramedics and EMTs everyday. I received this book when I was 15. It inspired and interested me so much, I started volunteering with my county ambulance service, and now, at 18, I'm a certified EMT for the State of Florida. Mr. Canning has written this book so that everything is explained. I would give it a 10 if I could.

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Summary: Wonderfully Descriptive and Emotional
Review: Wow. This was a wonderful read. I've read a few other EMT/Paramedic books, and none of them have come close to the quality of this one. Other books have been watered-down, amateurish versions of Peter Canning's book. He tells it like it is, from bloody accidents to his unedited feelings about some of the people he encounters. Wonderful description (I actually got nauseous at times)and good writing. There were a few slow places where he sidetracks to politics, but I see why those segments are there. The rest of the book is a clear view into EMT jobs. Those people are WAY underpaid. Only one thing bothered me: Mr. Canning says that he wants people to see him as a hero. Well, hello! YOU ARE! All of you are. Thank you for what you do every day for horrible pay and the threat of bodily harm from disease, drunks, criminals, and a million other dangers I don't have the room to describe. Be proud. You deserve it.