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385 reviews for:
A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back
Kevin Hazzard
3.85 AVERAGE
385 reviews for:
A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back
Kevin Hazzard
3.85 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Kevin Hazzard re-started his career as an EMS, wanting to help strangers at possibly the worst time in their life. He starts with training and, once he passes, tries to find a job. Unable to find work for a hospital, he works at private company and the tales begin. Given that EMTs are stuck in a truck with another EMT/medic for an entire shift, this book is as much about the people Hazzard works with as the calls he goes on. The two taking all the calls need some level of trust and connection to make it bearable to get through the day.
Of course, having been an EMT, Hazzard has seen some crazy shit. He takes the reader through some of those more crazy calls. Given that EMTs run calls along with firefighters and police, you would think that EMTs see the least amount of danger but it's still a pretty dangerous career.
While the individual stories were interesting, there was nothing that really tied it all together or made me care about Hazzard. He seemed like an adrenaline junkie that this career could suit. But it also made him feel a bit less compassionate than someone who you would want doing this job.
Of course, having been an EMT, Hazzard has seen some crazy shit. He takes the reader through some of those more crazy calls. Given that EMTs run calls along with firefighters and police, you would think that EMTs see the least amount of danger but it's still a pretty dangerous career.
While the individual stories were interesting, there was nothing that really tied it all together or made me care about Hazzard. He seemed like an adrenaline junkie that this career could suit. But it also made him feel a bit less compassionate than someone who you would want doing this job.
Okay, this was extremely good. This guy is a hell of a writer, and takes you through his education and service in EMS with suspense, panache, honesty, and humor. Exactly what I was looking for.
A pretty good episodic memoir. I meant to read it in bits here and there and ended up finishing the whole book in about 24 hours (granted, I was on vacation). I found some of the stories dissatisfying because I wanted to know more (why was the guy stabbed? Did the woman survive?) but eventually realized that this lack of closure must, in itself, be an integral part of working as a paramedic.
It was, perhaps, a bit fluffy (think James Herriot but with more drug overdoses) but enjoyable enough that I didn't terribly mind.
It was, perhaps, a bit fluffy (think James Herriot but with more drug overdoses) but enjoyable enough that I didn't terribly mind.
Short, quick stories that are interesting and well-written.
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
An interesting look at the entire course of a paramedic's career, told mostly through snapshots of his experience. It was very interesting! Could be considered grisly or morbid, author is factual in descriptions of medical situations in which an ambulance would be needed.
Audiobook, well narrated. Very entertaining memoir of his time as an EMT/medic and his journey from a barely legal service to the top of the line. It might be a little graphic for some, but I don’t think any of it struck me as shocking - drug addicts, horrific accidents, crimes of passion, mental illness…all things I would expect in a city as large as Atlanta. I really his writing.
This was an easy read, despite the subject matter. I enjoyed learning about Atlanta's history through this lens. I have always admired our first responders, and this narrative gives me a deeper appreciation. I think my students who are looking for an entry into non-fiction would enjoy this.
This book was really interesting. The author became quite jaded through his career as a medic and talks through some of his experiences. Since I'm married to a firefighter/paramedic, I recognize a lot of what is discussed in the book and a lot of it rings true. I enjoyed the anecdotal nature of the book and he had me laughing out loud at one moment and feeling really sad in the next. I think the writing was great and I enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook.
funny
reflective