Finishing and publishing a book reflecting on a lifelong career should bring with it a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I get all that, and there is. There was a desire to expose what we as responders and healthcare workers do, sharing the stories with the uninformed. Obviously, there was a longing to talk about myself repeatedly. Some friends and coworkers will laugh and not find that last part hard to believe.
Listeners taking in tales of emergency incidents focused intently on descriptions of the goings-on at a scene or the hospital. Raised eyebrows and looks of disbelief reined several times along the way, though no one ever called “bullshit.” Realizing I could give an overview of the years of service was brought home by my daughter Lauren with her repeated suggestion to “write a book, dad.”
Early into the project, I began to sense a personal closure to the stories once they were poured onto the computer screen. A cleansing that was more finite than telling “war stories” at work or the table at home. Please understand that I still enjoy watching someone’s reaction and answering questions about my experiences as they relate to a story. There is a more intense connection here than describing a football game or vacation to faraway places, not that the latter adventures are not meaningful.
The desired value of Running Reds rests in my belief that someone entering into the profession will gain some preemptive knowledge of just what their career as a responder will hold. The job has changed in so many technological and legislative aspects through the decades that I suspect fledgling responders will never have some of the experiences reflected in the book. That’s not a bad thing, believe me! Lots of seasoned emergency workers will think or say, “I’ve been there and done that.”
A parallel spinoff aimed at industry-related readers did not include the pursuit of kudos or acknowledgement as an expert. Moreover, the collection of ambulance responses was to share our craft so that others, including family, could take a look into the nights and days we were all away from home. The missed seasonal events and special days. Handing the book to someone that already thinks they know why we come home exhausted or quiet might open some eyes.
Finally and shamelessly, I admit that I am proud of what we do as EMS, fire and police responders, nurses, doctors and healthcare workers as a whole. That pride has never been more evident than in the last year and a half. The public we serve is getting a bargain.
Have you had a chance to read the book yet? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!
- Chris