Here is a non-fiction book that reads like high adventure: American Sirens: the Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics, by Kevin Hazzard. Similar services have come and gone over time, but for the most part 'rescue' usually meant 'swoop and scoop' by either police or funeral homes where the patient was dumped in the back of a car and raced to the hospital. Peter Safar, who developed modern CPR, thought this should change, but it was an uphill battle. It started in Pittsburgh. In a place called Freedom House. There were parts of town (think poor, black) where emergency services either would not go, or were slow to respond. This is where he started. He trained black men (and it was all men at that time) in basic medical procedures (making doctors at hospitals angry), provided them with the necessary equipment (this all took time). He taught them the 'language' they would need to use at emergency rooms so those there would take them seriously. They would respond wherever there was an emergency, but in some neighborhoods (think rich, white) they had to turn off their sirens and go at a slow rate of speed. In spite of this, their success rate of saving folks was high, but those in charge were not interested ... until there was a convention of ER medical folks, in Pittsburgh. Freedom House put on a demonstration ... an amazing one of a large, staged, accident scene. It described the accident, the injuries (including some deaths) and what was done. Attendees were so impressed that many cities (globally) set up their own 'paramedic' services (that word was new at the time). The mayor of Pittsburgh finally had to give in and set up services there ... but ... Freedom House was NOT to be given any credit ... truly! It would be closed down and the (black) staff would be given (menial) jobs elsewhere. This is a book that will make you cheer, and make you angry! I'm glad the true story has been told.

Reading Hermit With Dog