Lights and Sirens

The Education of a Paramedic

By: Kevin Grange

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Nine months of tying tourniquets and pushing new medications, of IVs, chest compressions, and defibrillator shocks - that was Kevin Grange's initiation into emergency medicine when, at age 36, he enrolled in the "Harvard of paramedic schools": UCLA's Daniel Freeman paramedic program, long considered one of the best and most intense paramedic training programs in the world.

Few jobs can match the stress, trauma, and drama that a paramedic calls a typical day at the office, and few educational settings can match the pressure and competitiveness of paramedic school. Blending months of classroom instruction with ER rotations and a grueling field internship with the Los Angeles Fire Department, UCLA's paramedic program is like a mix of boot camp and med school. It would turn out to be the hardest thing Grange had ever done, but also the most transformational and inspiring.

An in-depth look at the trials and tragedies that paramedic students experience daily, Lights and Sirens is ultimately about the best part of humanity - people working together to help save a human life.

©2015 Kevin Grange (P)2015 Tantor

Fantastic Listen and True to Life

This book made me remember so many parts of emt school. Everything is true and well told in this book. I loved it and was upset it was over so fast. Only remark I can make is the ending is too abrupt but I see why. Loved this.

Loved it

the medical knowledge that paramedics have to have is mind boggling. i loved how detailed and educational it was.

Good book great job well written

wanna know what it takes to be a paramedic??? Here it is!!! start to finish!!!

Great story with lots of grit and uplifting messages.

The author’s perspective surrounding the challenges and success as he pursued a career as a first responder. I was immediately wrapped by his story.

Disgusting intellectual hazing by instructors.

The preceptors of this class should be held to task for their bullying behavior as described in this book. It creates an atmosphere of fear, apprehension and self doubt that has NO place in this environment. I've been a paramedic for over 40 years and was embarrassed and disgusted by the way in which the internship was described in this story, as well as the interaction with the students. We need to pass the torch to the next generation...not battle them to the death like some sort of gladiator sport. Just because it was done to the instructors does not mean it is a valid learning tool.

UCLA's paramedic program is rightfully losing a plethora of people who need a nurturing environment, not a military construct, to succeed. The internship program as described in this book resembles the hazing that is now forbidden and illegal within fire departments and elsewhere. Learning a proud profession in an environment that deliberately causes doubt and self-image issues should NOT be allowed. The preceptor program of LA County should be revised and brought into current learning models that support and nurture students to blossom and grow. There is no room for bullies and macho egomaniacs.

Awesome!

I really liked that I felt I was there with you. Also enlightening me on some of the things medics go through to even becoming a medic.

See You on the Other Side of the War

I forget how or when I found this book, but I imagine it was when I finished AEMT and was looking for more material to help me in the field. I was still somewhat new to audiobooks, so I think this might have been one of my first beginning to end reads. Since, I've listened to it multiple times over. I'm going to Paramedic school in a week and am finishing another reading of this book now. It feels like an achievement to know what causes what before the narrator does. If you want a break from your med text books, this is a good time passer while also keeping your eyes on the prize. I'm hoping one of my reads of this book, I'll also be a paramedic. It's a good read otherwise.

Awesome book for aspiring EMT

I quite enjoyed this audiobook. As a former park ranger pursuing an EMT certification this kept me entertained while helping keep my eye on the prize. Thank you to any first responders reading this.

A must read if you’re in EMS

I am a fireman EMT and EMS captain of a small fire department I found the book riveting. I will take many lessons away from the book and put them into practice in our small town. All I can see it thank you.

A wonderful glimpse into the life and emotions of a paramedic student

Some of the medical terms were mispronounced and drove me crazy, but the story was so wonderful and emotional I didn't care much. Grange is a talented author who really hits on the head exactly what I'm feeling as I'm going through school. There were so many beautiful lines, relatable moments, and it was incredibly wonderful. This was one that I was sad to see end. While his program was set up differently than the one I'm attending, the emotions and experiences are so similar it made me feel this deep connection to the author. Great book!