Not for the faint of heart...You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll marvel at the alien world that is the ER. You can’t fathom the weirdness– unless you’re one of the ER aliens. If you are, buy a dozen copies to give to your family, your neighbors, and the PTA. They’ll learn things you never had the heart to tell them, but they should know, like how it's like to work in the ER, the deviousness of shampoo bottles and the dangers of frying bacon naked.
Rada was born in Transylvania, ten miles away from Dracula's Castle. Growing up between communists and vampires taught her that humans are fickle, but one can always rely on dogs and books. After she immigrated to join her husband, she went to medical school, then worked in the ER for years, but she still speaks like Dracula's cousin. Her thrillers feature Dr. Emma Steele, a not-so-young ER doc with a moody teenage daughter and a fondness for wine. If blood, gore and serial killers turn you on, check out OVERDOSE, MERCY, and POISON. If you're into dark medical humor, check her STAY AWAY FROM MY ER. But if you're into dogs, the K-9 Heroes series is for you. To celebrate Gypsy, Rada's beloved German Shepherd, Emma adopted a quirky, bacon-loving K-9 named Guinness who runs her life through Mercy and Poison.
Ouch. It seems this ER physician has had a lot of troubles with many patients. It seems most everything irks her. If someone can barely breathe because of a heart attack, etc etc, then they just might not remember to take their medication list, etc with them on their ride to the ER. Lord let me never see this doctor at an ER. (I love most doctors, my brother is one.)
ER doctors see patients during some of the worst times of their lives. You might want to cut them some slack.
Amazing to read! There are some things I disagree with but that's based on personal life experience, not because the author happens to be wrong. Technically everything in this book is actually correct. I myself don't believe in going to the ER unless it's really necessary, including if other people choose to send me to the ER because of their concerns but not because of anything genuinely serious. One thing I do contend with is the idea of high pain tolerance. If I tell the doctor I have a high pain threshold, that means please don't give me any painkillers unless I ask for them because I'm not gonna ask for painkillers if I have a sore knee or a sore finger. If anything is suspected to be broken, I may initially just ask for some Panadol and a coffee, even if most of the time I can only have water at the time. Lucky for me I hardly ever break bones and I hardly ever get really sick. but please don't get me anything more than a Panadol and water or coffee and tea, unless I'm extremely very painful. I don't know what that's like really because I'm never in a situation to be in so much pain. besides a gastric illness a few years ago which hit me worse than ever and a few problems because of Covid and the flu recently, I'm usually fine. If saying that having a high threshold for pain means ask for more pain medication, how would a doctor go about telling someone to let them know if they are good with tolerating pain or not good with it? some people tolerate pain better than others, some people go to the ER to seek out drugs and other people don't. some people want a lot of pain medication, other people only want very little painkillers despite severe pain and injury or illness. I still think this book is really good because most people do go to the ER when it's not necessary. The ER is not necessary for most problems unless you have specific instructions from your regular GP to go to the ER. as for the sex play in this book, some people really know how to bring it onto themselves. How silly can one be to insert something in there nether region knowing that it's a big risk that they will need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days as a result? A lot of people do tend to forget about reality when they're enjoying sex with or without a partner. As for advice about families with loved ones who need to go to the ER, it's totally true. Whingeing and causing problems for the doctor isn't going to get their loved ones help any faster. The other thing I fail to understand is why people can't just set up appointments at their regular GPs for themselves or their loved ones? if most people knew to just visit a pharmacy for over-the-counter medicine or go to the regular doctor, the ER would not be as crowded and busy and anybody in serious trouble would get help a lot quicker.
I liked that the author's choice of title indicates at the outset that the book won't be all doom and gloom but instead, is more about the reasons (both justified and not even close) people go to the Emergency Room as well as the fact that even medical professionals have and use a sense of humor to cope! The reader knows from the first few pages that parts of the book will bring a chuckle! I liked the tips the doctor offered and for me, it made me think seriously about my health issues and realize that some of them are the results of poor lifestyle choices such as diet, not being active enough, not drinking enough water, cumulative stress etc. I can't realistically expect that I can reverse ALL of the damage perhaps, but I CAN reverse SOME. Equally important, is that I CAN prevent FURTHER damage. And maybe add a few more years to my life. I appreciated the author's honesty, her ability to acknowledge her own humanity, the fact that she isn't afraid to hug a patient who needs comfort , her professional expertise and her sense of humor. I didn't give it a five stars rating because there were several times of repetition noted but other than that, an interesting and relatable read.
Having spent 29 years in the hospital setting, I get both sides of Dr, Jones enlightening book. I worked in Labor/Delivery and Newborn Nursery; and while we had our share of comedy and drama, it can't compare with what goes on in the ER. Doctors and Nurses , as well as all the other members of their support team are faced with unknown issues, problems, and trauma of the patients seen in their ER on a daily basis. Yes, people with serious illness and injury are brought in, but also patients who want to be seen for minor issues or are drug seeking also show up. I appreciated Dr. Jones` candor and humor in dealing with non-emergency patients. I also appreciated her respect and love and humor regarding the Nurses who worked those front lines right along with her. This was a humorous as well as heartbreaking book, and I both loved and respected it. Thanks Dr. Jones!
I am in love with Dr. Rada Jones! Her straightforward style is refreshing. Her love for her profession is endearing, her humility and sense of humor are both wonderful. I would be more yhan happy to read anything she writes. These essays just strengthened that determination. God bless you, Dr. Jones. We need more authors and doctors like you!
Dr.Jones is funny, sensible and informative. I plan to read her three other books and will get them as soon as I finish this review which ridiculously requires AT LEAST 20 words. I would have stopped after "informative" which would have made it better!
Enjoyed this book fully as I have been told that I am one of them that has worked in some of these type ER visits. These type of occurrences occur in any hospital, any size. If not,coming soon to see you!
Love it. As a former xray tech, I've spent my fair days in the ER. Rada is amazing and I worked with her for many years. She explains a lot about the state of our terrible Healthcare here in the states. Makes me miss the ER. Kind of. Lol
Not quite what I expected the book to be about but I did learn some things. Dr Jones is very well educated and passes on her wisdom and tips with directness and humor. Enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this one. Obviously the doctor has seen quite a bit. There's A sense of humor along with a seriousness that helps with the idea of working in an ER. Definitely eye opening to the challenges doctors face.
A very fast paced review about life in the ER. The doctor's sense of humor is obvious right from the start. This is a very quick read and an enjoyable one.
As a retired Paramedic of 31 years, I recognize so many of these scenes and situations. I’m definitely recommending this book to my friends…medics, nurses, and doctors!