Pulse: A Paramedic's Walk Along the Lines of Life and Death

I picked this up to learn more about what it was like to be a Paramedic as research for a story. I think this book is good at giving the overall "vibe" of the work and the mindset a person working there may have. You're not going to learn specifics about the job, but it was emotionally gripping. The cynicism is like a choking fog throughout, but there are sprinkles of hope and humanity that make the light feel even brighter amongst all the muck. I had to put the book down several times to digest what I had just read.The essays are all pretty short which makes it a good book to pick up and down. I didn't think that I would care for the non-paramedic author's perspective as much as I ended up doing so-- her writing about the car accident was deeply moving. I thought it was interesting to contrast how the paramedic saw himself and how his wife saw himself.Overall a quick but moving read.

For some reason I've become fixated on medical memoirs. This is about the 20th I've read. It's more introspective than most, which I appreciated. And renews my decision to keep my DNR close although maybe hold my husband's in reserve just in case he's the 1 in a hundred or less.It's a good straightforward read with the compassion of the author coming through at the end in full force.

Did that work for years.....pretty much how it is. A good read.

Totally relatable stories from the field. I laughed and cried while reading this!

I was disappointed it didn't go more into tge job and emotions. Well written, quick read but really didn't get into the deep depths of this career.

This book is a collection of stories by the Husband and Wife team of James and JK Pace. James is a 23 year veteran of street medicine and JK is the one who translates the stories to the word on the page.Each story is only a couple of pages but it packs a punch. I found the stories interesting and entertaining as well as thought provoking. One does not have to be a Paramedic to enjoy but will come away with a deeper appreciation for those who do this job. They always respond, walk in and out with different outcomes. Their patients may never be the same as well as the responders. This book has a pulse and will be worth your while, recommended.

Was expecting more. Very essay styled. Not wht I was looking for. But, it was an okay read in a skimming way.

Heart wrenching look into the day to day life of a paramedic. I can't imagine it was easy to write this, as his wife..... or easy to get so many details correct. I'm a mother to 3 paramedics.... now 2 as one switched over to being a police officer only. I don't know where they get it from..... certainly not me, who gets grossed out easily and can't stand the sight of blood. This gave me a lot of insight into what they do, and why!

Pulse offers a window into one of the hardest and most important professions there are. Both heart-rending and life affirming, it's an emotional roller-coaster. With the addition of his wife's account, it makes for a very immersive read. Thoroughly enjoyed!