This is undoubtedly one of the best books ever written about the building of a truly American business empire, (The Reader's Digest Association) and how that empire affected the lives of its founders, Dewitt and Lila Wallace.The author poignantly details how the founders,who were undoubtedly handson managers of the Digest for most of their lives,became prisoners of their empire, and how those who inherited the reigns of the Digest abused that powerand abandoned the original goals the Wallaces developed for it.

Peter Canning does an excellent job of making people understand the everyday life of EMTs. In being an EMT myself, I found myself glued to the book, reading of his experiences that are similar to the ones I've experienced. His writing style is awesome, as he defines each term and medicine, makes each call as gripping as the real thing, and tells of the struggles we, as EMTs, go through. Read Paramedic: On The Front Lines of Medicine, also by Canning. Both books are very exciting; Rescue 471 is really a sequel to Paramedic. Everyone should read this book to gain an understanding of how Emergency Medical Services work.

Keep on writing, Mr. Canning!!! The world needs to hear what you have to say!!! This book, to me, is a refreshingly honest account of the modern day EMS provider --- be it Basic, Intermediate or Paramedic level of care... Mr. Canning does a very good job of putting into words the "human" side of our work that general public does not often get to experience... An excellent read for anyone at all interested in people!!!

This is by far the best book I have read about EMS. It captures the good and bad of the job of a paramedic. Very thoughtful and moving. I liked it even better than his first book.

This is the most true to life book I've ever read about Emergency Medical Services. Peter Canning writes about every aspect of EMS. From his partners to his best and worst calls, to the stress on and off the job to the low pay, to the dangers faced by paramedics and EMTs everyday. I received this book when I was 15. It inspired and interested me so much, I started volunteering with my county ambulance service, and now, at 18, I'm a certified EMT for the State of Florida. Mr. Canning has written this book so that everything is explained. I would give it a 10 if I could.

After five years in EMS, I thought I'd never find a book that told the truth about what we do. Peter Canning uses his talents as a writer, and brings to light the worst and best parts of being a paramedic.

He comes from white collar America. A politician's speech writer who has to find a new home when his guy loses. He finds EMS and once its in his blood there is no turning back. Canning takes the reader on a journey through his first year as a paramedic. Its his real life from the field experience that makes his book so captivating.

The reader can see the excitment of his first major call, and feel the frustration of his disappointments. To become a paramedic is hard, but to stay one is even harder. No one who has not been out there will understand it. Canning allows every reader into the reality of the streets. This book should be required reading for every ER doctor and nurse, and for anyone who is family or a friend of a medic.

A very good book that best describes the field of EMS. Peter Canning does well to describe what it is like to work in a city where EMS is sadly taken for granted. I volunteer in a small town 20 miles north of Hartford where he works. It gave me a good comparison of the differences between a small town versus a city. After reading this book, as well as his other book, "Rescue 471," I give Mr. Canning a lot of credit for all his hard work and dedication, though the EMS system in Hartford is, in all actuallity, a troubled system in dire need of help.