Through the Eyes of an EMT
Narrative Non-fiction
By Diana Diaz & Michael Diaz
6645 Shenandoah River CT
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 867-5590
OVERVIEW
In this day and age, the true-life experiences and heroism of ordinary people is in high demand. With shows like ER, Trauma: Life in the ER, Paramedics and numerous other hospital based shows, people are yearning to hear how ordinary people go through extra-ordinary situations. This book depicts the life of a New York City EMT and how he worked the streets of the city, trying to make a difference in the lives of those in need. You read about what makes him tick, what affected him and the tragedies and triumphs his witnessed and experienced throughout his eighteen years working the streets. We see his personal life and the tragedies he had to face at home and still have to go out and save other peoples lives. We go on a journey of triumph, death and a new beginning when AID's hits home, opening his eyes in a new way to the suffering on the streets that he witnessed every day. You see how EMT’s become burned out, commit suicide or just walk away without ever looking back, carrying with them the battle scars of the horror and tragedy they have seen and experienced first hand. It shows the dedication of men and women in the medical field and how important they are to every single person, rich or poor.
AUDIENCE
This book is geared for all audiences. It will appeal to the general population as a whole, to the men and women who sit at home and yearn for a little adventure. It will appeal to fellow emergency medical technicians, fire fighters and police who see these events happen on a daily basis. It is a chance for them to be heard and understood through the experiences of one man who has been in the urban trenches with them and made it through in one piece. This book will appeal to all those yearning to get into the medical field. It will give them an understanding of what’s to come and the trials they will have to face. It appeals to all those suffering from illness and injury, to those who have ridden the ambulances and have had their lives saved and changed by those who risk their lives for them each and every day.
Other Books and Market Value
Unfortunately, there are not many books out in the market depicting the life of an EMT. Those that are out there have touched the hearts of thousands. There are many biographies on cops and their personal experiences on the streets, of doctors who struggle with life and death in the emergency rooms. Now it is time to show where emergency medicine actually begins, on the streets, the front line, with the ambulance workers who often make the difference between life and death. Isn’t it time their stories are told, their thoughts, feelings, failures and triumphs are heard? To let the world know that it’s not just another job but a dedication and commitment to fellow man.
AUTHOR
Written by Diana Diaz about the true life experiences of Michael A. Diaz, an EMT in the Streets of NY for over 18 years.
Diana Diaz
I am a 29 year old female from a diverse background. I have traveled and lived throughout the world and have experienced the intrigue and enchantment of the different cultures and societies. My major in college was wildlife biology. I have also finished Paramedic training and volunteered at the local rescue squads wherever I lived at that time. While in college I was involved with the newspaper, writing on wildlife issues and the drama department, having directed and choreographed a musical and various dance numbers. I have always had a special love for wildlife and have expressed my love through painting, sculpting and writing. I was a staff writer for Eye on the Web and I am a freelance writer for various magazines including Self-help & Psychology and Recursive Angel writing on medical issues as well as short fiction. I have my own award winning web site and writers critique group at: http://www.publication.com/aylad with the largest agent listing and paying market listing in the Internet. I am also in the process of looking for a prospective agent and publisher for my other two completed books: ‘They Call Him Wolf’: a 443 page action/adventure novel and ‘McArthur: The Veggie Frog’ – a children’s picture book.
Michael Diaz
NYC Emergency Medical Services Field
Supervisor/EMT-D
New York City, NY ¾ 1976 - 1991
· Operated and worked with the
Command Dispatch and 911 evaluation unit.
· Acting supervisor for Unit Operations: Responsible
for inspections, daily performance,
evaluation of employees, field
supervision, administrative
duties and coordinating of supplies.
· Supervisor for the Operations Command Center:
Responsible for supervising dispatch And
communications of the five city boroughs. Set up
special events and responded to various
civilian complaints.
¨ Received numerous Awards
for outstanding work performance including:
Employee of the Year Award, Medal of Excellence, Vice President
Award, Pre-hospital saves (all in EMS).
OUTLINE OF PROPOSED BOOK
CHAPTER ONE
In the beginning
This chapter introduces you to Michael and shows how he became a New York City EMT and brings you into his life shows some of his earlier experiences of his work. We learn about the many roles and stresses an EMT in the city have to face on a daily basis. It begins to give you an understanding of what a New York City Emergency Medical Technician is made of.
CHAPTER TWO
An Eight Hour Tour
This chapter takes you through an ordinary eight-hour shift bringing you into the lives of the patients Michael took care of in a single shift. The job isn’t always as glamorous as people dream it to be. You come to learn the variety of the job as well as the mundane tasks required by EMTs.
CHAPTER THREE
The One’s you Don’t Forget
This chapter brings you deep into Michael’s nightmares as he tells you the stories of the calls he will never forget. It shows the deep tragedies and triumphs that occur in the city on a daily basis. Showing that the city has it’s own third world dilemma. You will be shocked and disgusted and in awe at the cruelty and pain people can face.
CHAPTER FOUR
The One’s That Make a Difference
This chapter depicts the triumphs of the spirit, heart and soul and shows that even when things seem impossible, the possible does happen and there can and is triumph over death. One’s spirit and strength can go far beyond anyone’s imagination. You will see how the lives of people were changed and how they got their second chance because of the EMT’s that risked their lives to save them.
CHAPTER FIVE
Burnout
Burnout affects anyone who works in a stressful and dangerous job. With suicide at a high rate within the EMS department, Burnout is an all too real danger. This chapter shows how and why burnout occurs and the tragedies it causes when not dealt with properly through Michael’s experiences, seeing fellow EMT’s die, get divorced and much more.
CHAPTER SIX
Heart of Stone
This chapter goes into the part of Michael’s life when years of being on the job have closed his heart, and hardened his compassion, a fate that affects all emergency workers in some point in their life. It shows how this sadly occurs.
CHAPTER SEVEN
AIDS
This chapter is the turning point of Michael’s life when AID's hits home and he is faced with its horrors up close. When his sister comes down with AIDS, Michael moves in with her and learns a new meaning of suffering and inner strength.
CHAPTER EIGHT
A Rude Awakening
While trying to cope with the trials of illness at home, Michael comes face to face with the consequences of his stress. Fighting his demons and illness, he learns to pull through, not willing to lose the fight.
CHAPTER NINE
Through the Eyes of Compassion
In this chapter, Michael sees his job through new eyes and has a renewed desire to help those in need. As tragedy hits at home, a new hope is also building in his life.
CHAPTER TEN
A New Beginning
This chapter is the conclusion of Mike’s life as an EMT and where he has come to be and how his life has changed. The healing is finally over.
FINAL NOTE
The book is completed and available for review upon request.
