On Call in Hell

A Doctor's Iraq War Story

By: Richard Jadick, Thomas Hayden

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Cdr. Richard Jadick's story is one of the most extraordinary to come out of the war in Iraq. At 38, the last place the Navy doctor was expected to be was on the front lines. He was too old to be called up, but not too old to volunteer.

In November 2004, with the military reeling from an acute doctor shortage, Jadick chose to accompany the First Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment (the "1/8") to Iraq. During the Battle of Fallujah, Jadick and his team worked tirelessly and courageously around the clock to save their troops amidst the worst street fighting Americans had faced since Vietnam.

It is estimated that without Jadick at the front, the Marines would have lost an additional 30 men. Of the hundreds of men he treated, only one died after reaching a hospital. This is the inspiring story of his decision to enter into the fray, a fascinating glimpse into wartime triage, and a compelling account of courage under fire.

©2007 Richard Jadick and Thomas Hayden (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"This remarkable man's story is well worth telling...a memorable experience." (Publishers Weekly)

On Call in Hell

WOW, the writer was truly generous to relive the things saw and lived through. I am thankfull that men and women like the author whom put themselves into the line of fire. This all aside the novel is gut wrenching and informitive. It give thoes of us who will never see combat, a first hand look at the situations that are meet and delt with as best as one can expect. Five stars doesn't give this novel the true repesct it deserves. If I had one problem with the book, it was that the author wasn't the narrator.... It isn't that the chosen narrator did a poor job, I just feel the author would have given that little extra. You can't get everything you want.

You are there

What made the experience of listening to On Call in Hell the most enjoyable?

Outstanding story of front line medical care. Out troops are in good hands.

What was one of the most memorable moments of On Call in Hell?

Learning to save lives of femoral artery wounds

Any additional comments?

Recommend Lone Survivor

Corpsman Up!

Loved the story about true heroes. Love how the author takes the time to mention and honor his Marines who didn't make it home.

Health Care in Iraq

What did you love best about On Call in Hell?

It made me think that I was right there in the battle with the guys in Iraq. I could envision the terror and also the calm that these men faced.

What was one of the most memorable moments of On Call in Hell?

When they were going after their comrades and how they managed to get them out of the area with out getting killed or hurt themselves.

What about Lloyd James’s performance did you like?

His narration helped me to feel like I was right there in the battle with this Doctor and right beside him as he cared for the men that he had grown to love.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the surgeon went out into the battle with the men to help save his fellow soldiers.

Any additional comments?

A great book for any health care professional to read. It tells of the dangers, heartaches when you lose a fellow healthcare professional, and the comraderie that you can have when everyone is "shooting" for the same goal.

Up Close and Personal

What made the experience of listening to On Call in Hell the most enjoyable?

A unique perspective on the war at large by taking it inside from a medical perspective, one injury at a time. Exciting, suspenseful, tragic, confounding -- great insight into the mind of a doctor and the chaos of war.

What did you like best about this story?

Small stories made large by making them personal. You really root for Jadick and his initial naiveté when he decides to take this on. Medical care in battle is a unique perspective with huge stakes.

What does Lloyd James bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His first hand experiences are heard in his voice and that was very affecting.

Fourth time reading this book,

a true memorial to the 1/8 and valor of the Corps
God Bless the United States Marine Corps
Seiner Fidelis!

What a story!

This was a painful book to read, but it made me appreciate what goes on during war. It is about a young doctor who leaves his wife and 4-day-old daughter to go to Iraq to do what he could to take care of injured marines. I think I can safely say I will never have to fight in a war, and I pray daily that I will never have to see a war first hand. This book made me honor those who are willing to fight for my freedom even more than I already did. I found myself with tears rolling down my face from time to time, and even a bit sick to my stomach on occasion, but I always had a sense of awe that there are people in the world who are willing to do the things that have to be done in a war. It is overwhelming to me. I want to tell them that I am so very grateful!

Great insight for a hopeful future Navy Doc

Well written recount with vivid details giving you a true sense of the events that happened in Iraq. Well done

Thought provoking and Phenomenal Read

I have been an EMT for 11 years, and am privleged enough to have been a teacher in emergency medicine for just under 5 years. I always love getting to see a small portion of the thoughts and careers of medical professionals at a higher level of care than me. I love books like this, both listening and reading because it helps me in my career and personal life.

This book reminds me of what our veterans have to go through and am grateful that I have never had more than 3 critical patients at once.

It spurs me to continue to gain more knowledge to be able to give my patients the best care I can provide.

military doctor must read

excellent ideas and summary for military doctors and how we need to treat our warriors in the future on the battlefield