Those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic 鈥 paramedics, EMTs, firefighters and police officers 鈥 faced unprecedented challenges as they navigated the evolving crisis. They responded to emergency calls with limited protective equipment, worked grueling shifts and bore witness to an overwhelming loss of life. While much of the public saw the pandemic through news reports and statistics, first responders lived it 鈥 day in and day out.
In the years since, some responders have chosen to document their experiences, not only as a means of processing what they went through, but also to ensure that history does not overlook the realities they endured. Their accounts provide an unfiltered look at the struggles, ethical dilemmas and emotional toll of responding to those in need during a global pandemic. These firsthand accounts are more than personal narratives; they serve as critical records of a system pushed to its limits and the individuals who carried it through.
Funny and heartwarming, inspiring and poignant, 鈥淔irst responder鈥 follows Jennifer鈥檚 journey to becoming an EMT and working during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. She will bring readers inside an intense world filled with crisis, rescue, grief, uncertainty and dark humor.
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鈥淢odern day Rosies鈥 is an artfully infused story of how Paramedic Kate Bergen faced her demons and dug out her paintbrush. The book is about the women who answered the call to the frontlines of COVID-19, just as Rosie the Riveter had in World War II; each of them scared but determined to help in their own way.
Following one paramedic into hell and back, 鈥淩iding the Lightning鈥 tells the story of New York City鈥檚 darkest days through the eyes of its frontline medical workers and the community they serve: ordinary people who will continue to make New York an extraordinary place long after it has been reborn from the ashes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ultimate edition to celebrate the year of the everyday heroes, who changed our way of seeing the world of work and heroism 鈥 a picture book without words, timeless, universal and heart-breaking. 鈥淔rontline Heroes鈥 is the book to give to anyone who has known and appreciated these heroes, or who wants to recall the best part of ourselves, in the worst of times.
鈥淓very minute is a day鈥 takes us into a hospital ravaged by Covid-19 and is filled with the stories of promises made that may be impossible to keep, of life or death choices for patients and their families, and of selflessness on the part of medical professionals who put themselves at incalculable risk. As fast-paced and high-tempo as the ER in which it takes place, 鈥淓very minute is a day鈥 is, at its core, an incomparable firsthand account of unrelenting compassion, and a reminder that every human life deserves a chance to be saved.
Written by one of the many traveling nurses who left their permanent staff positions to answer the call for frontline medical staff to help combat the largest pandemic this century, 鈥淭hrough my eyes鈥 takes you inside the hospital and tells the stories of those who lived and died during this pandemic.
Kate Bergen taught herself to paint nearly 20 years ago, but it was the pandemic that turned her into an artist
January 18, 2021 08:52 PM
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The series offers a window into the experiences of first responders through the use of real stories from real law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs
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Laysha Ward teaches public safety leaders how to reframe life experiences into leadership superpowers, develop connection currency and align work-life goals for sustainable success