A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back

Mr. Hazzard writes as an accomplished author who takes a job requiring only a GED and a high level of commitment. He discovers that no matter how challenging the situations get, that what is required to do the job well is not well rewarded, and burnout is usually what follows. He makes even the most down and out characters that he encounters to be sympathetic.

The writing was good on a mechanical level, but the author’s narcissism, arrogance, and complete lack of empathy made the book difficult to read. The “jokes” were callus and almost always at the expense of others, not funny and in poor taste. Attempts at self-depreciation seemed disingenuous. The writer had no problem sharing the details of other peoples’ tragedies with humiliating descriptions, yet he seemed in denial of his own mental issues, which seep from every page. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot and wishing someone honest was telling the story. The author has the skills to write a great book but doubtfully the emotional strength to do so. The unintentional takeaway for me is the question: Are all paramedics sadists?

From the early days of an EMS recruit to the jaded days of a crusty medic, this story takes you on the sadistic, depraved, heroic, crazy rollercoaster of a life of an EMT from infancy to career ending. If you ever want an inside look and how EMS effects someone please read this book.