Lights and Sirens Paperback – June 2, 2015

Last time I read a book from front to back was many years ago. I’ve never truly enjoyed reading. Recently, I decided to try and start reading but was having trouble finding a book that I could get into. I noticed a few people ready this book at my job and decided to give it a shot. This book was amazing. If you are an emt looking to go to medic school this book is a must. It was very hard for me to put this book down and I lost hours of sleep because of it. I’ve been recommending this book to anyone that shows an interest in going to medic school!

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.

Loved this book!!! I knew nothing about what it takes to become a paramedic, but was intrigued. This book is so honest, and real, and gave me an appreciation of what our men and women go through to be able to serve us so well. A very good story, and delightful to read - hard to put down!! Highly recommended!

Having both the honor and privilege to attend UCLA-DF with Kevin Grange, I'm here to tell you his description of the path to becoming a paramedic is spot on! The picture he paints of the daily routine throughout the 9 months of education truly encompasses the physical, mental and most importantly emotional commitment required to successfully complete the curriculum, and more importantly apply that knowledge to the mean streets of paramedicine. I can't tell you how many times I got cold chills not only because I shared the same experience, but because the way Kevin describes how he felt during this process especially during the field internship phase. Anyone who wants a streamlined and concise understanding of what it takes to be the person showing up when 911 is called this is the book to read! Well Done!

I've always had a mild fascination with emergency medicine. But it wasn't until I read this book that I had any inkling of just how intense and difficult the paramedic training course really is. It really is a mini-medical degree. And they practice under the most trying of circumstances. Imagine trying to do complex math in you're head while inserting an IV into a patient in the back of a rocketing ambulance with a patient who is slipping away. Truly stressful scenarios. I take my hat off to Mr. Grange and all paramedics.

Kevin Grange can really write. He tells a good, inspiring story of training to be a paramedic. I heartily recommend the Grange gives the reader an idea of the rigor of the training program for EMT-Paramedics and the lengths they are prepared to go -- at the risk of their own lives -- to serve people in medical emergencies at home and in accidents anywhere. You sometimes feel like you're in the ambulance as its sirens scram and lights flash, wondering if a heart attack victim will get to the emergency room on time. Sometimes it reads like a novel, but you realize that Grange is telling real stories about real people. These men and women are the frontline of the medical care system. One can only wish that the rest of the system was as efficient as the paramedics are. We get more value per dollar spent from them than anyone else.

I read Grange's first book, Beneath Blossom Rain, and enjoyed it as a fairly breezy travelogue. With Lights and Sirens, Grange has deepened his commitment to his craft. His first-person narrative is more polished, and writing style more mature. At times the first portion, particularly in the classroom, can drag, but I enjoyed his characterizations of his fellow classmates, and his sense of inferiority and anxiety is faithfully and believably shared.The real treasure in this book comes in the third act, during the author's practical education with experienced paramedic professionals. He very capably describes situations and his own often overwhelmed reactions, conveying drama without venturing into the hyperbole that sometimes dogged his first book. Once I was in the second half of this book, I literally could not put it down, and swallowed it in great gulps. Grange's work gets better all the time, and I look forward to his next book with anticipation and delight.

This interesting book about paramedic training and work opened my eyes to the rigors of paramedic education and gave me an appreciation and respect for their dedication, skills and service. The author is able to share details of his motivation and challenges as he gets through the rigorous UCLA training program. I enjoyed the read and I imagine those who are in the medical field are especially grateful to have such a gripping and (what seems to me to be a) balanced account of what emergency medicine is like both in the ER but also in the prehospital surroundings - i.e. violent crime scenes, car accidents, private homes, family picnics, moments of death or near death, etc. I happened to be reading it while visiting a sick friend in the hospital and when I ran into an available EMT or paramedic or ambulance driver I told them about it - it is really a tribute memoir.

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.

Bought this for a Christmas gift for my son in law who is studying to become a paramedic.

Interesting, intense & real! Good read of the difficulties of becoming a Paramedic in the American EMS system and how it differs from the NHS paramedic

I was somewhat bored with the beginning of the book because he does a lot of explaining of medical terms and procedures, however since I'm already past that point in my schooling it was like a math teacher teaching you how to add again. This book is more about the actual class portion of school than placements, which I was expecting. If you do not have much medical knowledge however, or if you are about to take paramedic program, then this book might prove me interesting

But very informative and worthy read if you're interested in a career as a paramedic. The pace is slow in the beginnning due to the author walking you through the theoretical part of his training. Otherwise, a good and acurate portrait of what life as a paramedic and what it takes to become one.

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.

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

A great book for anyone interested in what it takes to become a paramedic in the US. If you're ever thought about a career in EMS, give this book a read.

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.

Fascinating insight into the journey from EMT to Paramedic. The author has the gift of making the reader feel they actually went on the journey. An honest, candid account. If you're thinking of embarking that route it's an informative read. Great insight into a much undervalued profession.

Absolutely thrilling are the only words I have for this book. Kevin provides an amazing insight into the ups, downs, and struggles of becoming a paramedic . Every paramedic student should read it.

This book truly gives you an inside look on who it is to become a paramedic. A great spotlight on the Daniel Freeman paramedic program and an involving ride-along on the rescue of the LAFD. Glad that I found this precious piece of well written literature.

Such a great read. Book is filled with so much passion, excitement and everything else you can imagine. Thank you for writing such a motivating book for young emergency care givers

Decent read