A Thousand Naked Strangers

A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back

De: Kevin Hazzard

Narrado por: George Newbern

A former paramedic's visceral, poignant, and mordantly funny account of a decade spent on Atlanta's mean streets saving lives and connecting with the drama and occasional beauty that lies inside catastrophe.

In the aftermath of 9/11, Kevin Hazzard felt that something was missing from his life - his days were too safe, too routine. A failed salesman turned local reporter, he wanted to test himself, see how he might respond to pressure and danger. He signed up for emergency medical training and became, at age 26, a newly minted EMT running calls in the worst sections of Atlanta. His life entered a different realm - one of blood, violence, and amazing grace.

Thoroughly intimidated at first and frequently terrified, he experienced on a nightly basis the adrenaline rush of walking into chaos. But in his downtime, Kevin reflected on how people's facades drop away when catastrophe strikes. As his hours on the job piled up, he realized he was beginning to see into the truth of things. There is no pretense five beats into a chest compression or in an alley next to a crack den or on a dimly lit highway where cars have collided. Eventually, what had at first seemed impossible happened: Kevin acquired mastery. And in the process he was able to discern the professional differences between his freewheeling peers, what marked each - as he termed them - as a "tourist", "true believer", or "killer".

Combining indelible scenes that remind us of life's fragile beauty with laugh-out-loud moments that keep us smiling through the worst, A Thousand Naked Strangers is an absorbing listen about one man's journey of self-discovery - a trip that also teaches us about ourselves.

©2016 Kevin Hazzard. All rights reserved. (P)2016 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

fun and honest

not a lot of medical details or explanations... but a ton of hilarious, disgusting and disturbing stories of what medics encounter. not appropriate for all ages btw, I was hoping to share with my preteen son but profanity and violence nixed that idea. . the author did great giving us all the juicy bits with only relevant details of his life in addition to his work experiences. I recommend for anyone considering a career in patient care to listen as a reality check of the highs and lows to expect. enjoyed!

Riveting

Once I started this book, it was almost impossible for me to stop listening. It got my attention the way a good novel does.

I was fascinated by the story of why the author became a paramedic, what it was like to do that job, why he continued to do it and why he stopped. This is insight that isn't explained in the many television shows about first responders.

Be aware that descriptions and language are graphic. If you have low or zero tolerance for such things then you'd be well advised to skip this book. That said, the descriptions and language are matter of fact, and in my opinion, not included for shock value.

Narrator George Newbern was excellent. His performance added to the story.

The real story - From start to end!

Bravo - I was a fireman/ Paramedic for 13 years in similar city and the same type of calls. The writer was able to bring back long lost memories from days and long nights long lost. The narrator was the best. Must reading for anyone in EMS.

Enjoyable and insightful

Interesting look into a world unfamiliar to most of us. Honest and frank. Enjoyed the anecdotes. Narrator easy to listen to as well.

Kindred

My favorite book has been The Things They Carried since I was 12, at which time I wanted desperately to be a paramedic. Now, as a nursing student, my 20+ year favorite book has a replacement. My father was a a captain in the SFFD, and they called him SIML: Squad Is My Life. And to some, that would be derogatory. But to me, and to this author, that means he was meant for the job. I LOVE THIS BOOK.

P.S. I also love this performer. I loved his reading of Cider House Rules. Now that I think of it, I didn't look that up, so I can't say for sure it's the same guy. But, it's great..

Atlanta Native Loved This

If you could sum up A Thousand Naked Strangers in three words, what would they be?

Fired Journalist EMT

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

The story about the changing of the Grady uniform near the end was very emblematic.

Any additional comments?

A good look at Atlanta at the turn of the 21st century.

This was an amazing book to read.

Kevin Hazzard is a great writer. He made a grim book at times comical. At one time I was laughing so hard I had tears running down my face. What he was experiencing was not funny but the way he wrote about the experiences from his perspective, like a deer in headlights, was just classic. I cannot recommend this book enough. I just picked it for my book club.

Great Book

Great book with all reality of EMS. Would recommend this to anyone who lives life in an Ambulance. Reality

The calm in the chaos!

Oh, how I miss the madness! As a former EMT and dispatcher, I want to thank you for this book. Brought back so many memories. The adrenaline-packed, chaos of a multi-vehicle MVA's, the exhausting CPR, splints, backboards, neck braces, and those crazy traction devices. Thanks for the memories!!!!
Great read and narration!!

Best Book I've Heard of it's Kind

Just starting my career in EMS and this book has only fueled my desire for more. Loved listening to the genuine insight on true feels, emotions, tasks and difficult truths as it relates to the job and family life.