Happy Friday, friends. I'm still celebrating the release of my New Adult romance, No Promises. Remember, it's available for only 99 cents through the month of January!
Blurb:
A new adult romance by multi published author Nona Raines
writing as N. Raines
She never met a stray she didn't love…
In high school, Sam
Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend
and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years later, she can hardly
recognize the man he’s become.
As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping
others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in
a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can't make Sam any promises of
love. Promises are too easily broken.
Sam
spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She's never met a
stray she didn't love, and Rick is the most important rescue she'll ever make.
Rick,the hero of the story, is a paramedic. While
doing research on his profession I learned a few things I'd like to share with
you.
1.
Don't Call Emergency Service Personnel "Ambulance Drivers."
Paramedics and EMTs do a lot more than driving the
ambulance and running the siren. In my state, paramedics must complete a two
year degree program. They're able to give medications and trained in advanced
life support. They must be certified and renew their certification every three
years.
2.
Their jobs are physically taxing.
All the lifting and carrying they do can take a toll. They
may have to carry individuals who are heavy, sometimes down flights of stairs.
This is especially challenging in an apartment building where there is no
elevator. They may have to deal with people who are uncooperative or aggressive
due to alcohol, drugs or mental illness. Occasionally, they are even physically
assaulted. They have to keep calm and behave professionally at all times while
protecting themselves and others.
3.
Their jobs are emotionally taxing.
Emergency service personnel are often first at the scene
in cases of child abuse. They have to help a child who has been hurt by his or
her own parent or caretaker. They are on the scenes of accidents where innocent
people have been hurt and killed by drivers under the influence. They see some
terrible, heartbreaking sights yet must keep their feelings under control and
do their best to help the injured and transport them as quickly and safely as
possible. These tragedies may take an emotional toll on first responders and
filter into their personal lives.
4.
They don't get the pay or respect they deserve.
Emergency service personnel work long hours under
difficult conditions to save lives. While they are responsible for keeping
people safe and getting them to the hospital as quickly as possible, their
assistance often goes unrecognized by the public. They often have to deal the
results of society's inability to provide enough care for the indigent, the
homeless and the mentally ill. They also have to deal professionally with people
who abuse the system, keeping them from those truly in need.
5.
They care about people.
Actually, this was one thing I didn't have to learn from
reading a book or scouring the web. I've been fortunate enough to speak to
several Emergency Service Personnel and their good humor and love of humanity
shines through. They don't get much pay or many pats on the back, but they
don't complain. Still, it's time we "civilians" recognize everything
they do and give them the recognition they deserve. They, along with
firefighters and police officers, are the first on the scene when we need help.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Nona Raines
