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While en route to a New York hospital, paramedic Chris and his crew are viciously broad sided, which sends the ambulance somersaulting numerous times. The trauma from the accident nearly shuts Chris' body down for almost a month, leaving him in a semi-comatose state. During that time Chris plays back all the events that lead up to that fateful day.
Inspired by true stories from his experiences in the line of duty, C.B. Garris' debut book features a member who served in one of the largest municipal Emergency Medical Services of New York City. Although "all the names and locations have been deliberately altered to protect anonymity and confidentiality respectively," Garris' first person narrative memoir reads like a fictional novel that at times is reminiscent of the 1970's T.V. show Emergency!, which offered a serious introduction to the world of paramedics. Garris takes on the role of Chris, whose job it is to be a first responder throughout New York's five boroughs.
There are no dry moments. Each chapter flows into the next and is filled with a mix of unexpected yet unpleasant and often graphic situations, confrontations with self-centered authority figures, and light-hearted moments of just shooting the breeze with team members and other medical staff. Garris incorporates a nice layout of the boroughs—a key feature that locals will appreciate—as his crew deftly navigates to various emergencies. Most importantly, Garris balances his novel by portraying the human side of a hero who understands personal suffering, especially as he learns how to love again.
M.O.S.: Member of the Service may not be earmarked for the faint of heart. Nonetheless, it is an engaging human interest story that is not only eye-opening, but also can be life changing for those who dare to read it.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review