• Blood, Sweat, Tears and Prayers

  • Firefighting and EMS from Some of the Toughest Streets in America
  • By: Gary Ludwig
  • Narrated by: Kevin Kollins
  • Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (282 ratings)

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Blood, Sweat, Tears and Prayers  By  cover art

Blood, Sweat, Tears and Prayers

By: Gary Ludwig
Narrated by: Kevin Kollins
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Publisher's summary

We do a dangerous job. We knew that when we signed up. We reach out to each other in difficult times. We are there for each other - all the time! These words echo the words of almost every firefighter and paramedic who is challenged with saving lives and property everyday they are on the job. Shootings, stabbings, building fires, and car accidents are just some of the nail-biting daily experiences of these brave public servants.

Gary Ludwig has been a firefighter/paramedic for 37 years and has worked in two of the most violent cities in the United States (St. Louis and Memphis) for 34 years of those years. He gathers his experiences in this field and presents an honest overview of his experiences with the emotions, feelings, sights, and gut-wrenching efforts men and women in this field experience to save a life or property. This is the insider look at a profession few of us fully appreciate: This book gains the profession the respect that is due. This is a book filled with drama, compassion, and a true understanding of EMS and the fire service. Not since "Report from Engine Company 82" have stories like these been told in such a realistic way.

©2015 Gary Ludwig (P)2016 Gary Ludwig

What listeners say about Blood, Sweat, Tears and Prayers

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One of the greats!

Exceptional book, wonderful man, incredible mentor, highly skilled professional, amazing leader... Thank you Chief for representing STL, more so thank you for serving!

Go Blues!!

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become a firefighter/paramedic

This is amazing for people thinking about becoming a firefighter/paramedic. accurately shows the good and bad sides of the job.

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1 person found this helpful

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Eye opening to those who are not in the profession

It was a good listen. If you are not a firefighter, EMT or Paramedic it will open your eyes to that world. Listening as one of those it makes you reflect on your career and the calls you’ve responded to. I would recommend it.

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moving and powerful

Not for the faint at heart, but very moving and informative. I thought it would be preachy but it was not in anyway.

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2 people found this helpful

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Enjoyable reading!

This book was well written but also interesting for me because I am a firefighter/Medical First Responder. Even though I do not live in a large city much less do this full time, I still appreciated he insights offered by Gary Ludwig and his stories contained in the book. The reader gets a rather first hand view of what a life of a paramedic/firefighter entails. I recommend this for everyone but particularly for those who are interested in obtaining employment in this field.

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A MUST for anyone in emergency services!!!!

A MUST for anyone in emergency services or wanting to get onto it, or if you want to try and undestand how we ALL function. Will definitely be recommending this to friends.

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4 people found this helpful

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Amazing book

GREAT BOOK OF WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IF YOUR THINKING OF GETTING INTO THE FIRE/EMS SERVICE.

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A must read.

This book is a must read for anyone in the fire service and Emergency Medical Services. It is so real life as to what we do and experience everyday. This book would even capture the attention of the layperson. It is well written with such attention to details. Once you start it you can't stop.

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A Must read for Fire Service

Riveting and hard to put down from beginning to end. I enjoyed the stories and learned a lot from this book. I cannot recommend this book enough.

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Incredible insight, not for the faint of heart

Amazing career, but no logical flow. Had to skip parts as a parent, too heartbreaking.

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