Nevada EMS, A History of Emergency Medical Services in Nevada
How many times have we passed highway accidents with sirens wailing, patrolmen directing traffic around the scene, and the EMTs tending to the injured? In addition to emergency medical vehicles, if the injuries from the accident are severe, we’ve seen the helicopters arriving or leaving the scene with the injured on their way to near-immediate medical attention at a hospital. This was not always the case. If you are old enough, you might remember that the vehicle at the scene, taking the injured away, was a hearse. Thanks to longtime Nevada resident Elwood L. Schmidt, MD, we have the chance to read about the changes that have taken place in the field of emergency medical services, especially those services in rural settings.
Although the book’s title says it is a “history” of the emergency medical services, in reality it is more of the story of how such services developed in Nevada. Dr. Schmidt introduces the subject, lays out what his book covers and then lets those people who actually took part in the changes, county-by-county, tell their stories. And what stories they are.
One cannot talk about this book without talking about the photographs of John Kasinger. Of course all those interviewed are photographed, but it is the pictures of the evolution of emergency vehicles and equipment that really grab our attention.
Normally, Bookin’ with Sunny doesn’t review self-published books, but exceptions are made, and Nevada EMS, A History of Emergency Medical Services in Nevada is one of those exceptions. I’m also reviewing it today, in time to make our list of Father’s Day Books.
Purchasing information can be found at: http://www.nevadaemshistory.com/blog/ This is a book that will be treasured by anybody, man or woman, who works or worked in the field of emergency services, especially those who live in Nevada. – Sunny Solomon