Lights and Sirens: The Education of a Paramedic

I'm not a paramedic so I can't speak for accuracy, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There is a decent amount of medical terminology mixed in - someone with no background in medicine might struggle to follow all the terms/acronyms. Kevin does an excellent job at breaking down each "phase" of going from scared student to skilled medic. His intelligence and passion for his career is evident in his writing and getting to follow him through each call is a thrilling and educational experience!

OUTSTANDING! This is an absolute MUST READ for every EMT thinking about going to paramedic school. The descriptions of the trials and tribulations are right on the money; what lay ahead for paramedic students is painted in vivid and real color. For veteran paramedics, this book will, no doubt, bring you back to your roots; remind you where you came from and why you do what you do. For me, this book brought back memories and stirred emotions I have long since tucked away. Both as a paramedic intern and as a paramedic preceptor, I can relate to the terror and triumph Kevin describes in agonizing detail. Best of all, this book offers a great behind-the-scenes look for anyone and everyone who has ever marveled as an ambulance blazed by with lights and sirens.

Well written account of the authors experience during Paramedic training. Dramatized a bit for interest but consistent with other stories of this grueling process. He keeps the medical jargon pretty simple so lay readers can get the full appreciation. This is not a blow by blow of complex emergency procedures that some EMS junkies may want. But overall a good book by a professional who has committed his life to saving those of others.

This was a well-written, engaging book about paramedic training. I enjoyed the stories and the sense of purpose that the author leaves us with. Emergency medicine has always been fascinating to me, so I was happy to stumble upon an opportunity to be a part of that community for a while through this book. I initially chose to read this book because it omitted a lot of the coarse language that many other books about EMS include, which I find hard to read in large doses. As I read further, though, I was glad just to have had the experience of seeing the profession through this man's eyes. Thanks for the ride-along, Mr. Grange.

Great book and truly shows the trials and triumphs of being and becoming a provider of this wonderful and rewarding profession that is EMS. Bravo Kevin Grange

Kevin's memoir of his experience with the paramedic education program at UCLA is a gripping and engrossing read. As an AEMT working for a private ambulance company, his experiences in the field are something I can easily imagine, but for those not in EMS it will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. I would definitely recommend this to those thinking of going into EMS in general and becoming a paramedic in particular.

I recently got the wild hare to go to paramedic school. Thus, I've started reading everything I can about it. This book scared the hell out of me enough that I have some real fears about being successful in paramedic school. Between his graphic descriptions of the medical scenes, the gut wrenching emotional effect the situations impart, and the incredible self-doubt I felt about my own ability to finish paramedic school as I read it, I was riveted. I read the book in a single sitting of about 6 hours. I could not stop. One of the things I've searched for most are stories about paramedic school, ways to succeed, how to memorize everything that there is to memorize. It's an incredible amount of material. After reading this you will have a crystal clear idea of what it takes to succeed in school, and how much dedication, maturity, and confidence it will require. I do not give gushy, positive reviews - but this book really blew me away. If you're into EMS, you'll love it.

I just finished Lights and Sirens by Kevin Grange and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. The book is subtitled " The Education of a Paramedic." I finished the George Washington University Paramedic Program in 1995 and am currently a Paramedic Program director. I took over a program that had failed, miserably and have been rebuilding for 2 years. This book was inspirational to me as a great reminder of what our Paramedic students go through during our programs and it sparked new ideas that I can use in our education of EMTs and Paramedics. I highly recommend this book for future Paramedic students, but also for EMS educators to remind us what we went through to obtain our Paramedic and what our students are currently going through. Very well done, Paramedic Grange!

Having so much fun and dig up some old memories of my own paramedic education. Every paramedic should read this and recommand it to people around them to show what is our reality. Easy reading and so well written

Not just a 'quick list' of lots of EMS cases- the writer takes us through paramedic school and its challenges, followed by the highs and lows of the next, 'live' stage of training and then goes on to the final stage of the journey- being out there 'on his own'. A fascinating book and I found it held my interest all the way through.

Great and interesting read. I am really enjoying this book right now. I have read a number of paramedic books and by far this is one of the more enjoyable ones to read.

Educarional.

Unsure what to expect when downloading, I found the authors humor and candour left me not wanting to put this book down. A realistic summary of his motivations for training as a paramedic, right through his journey to graduation it’s a reminder of the hard work and sacrifices that so many of our first responders make to serve.