Emergency!

Horn Book Magazine

The high-intensity work of emergency medical care is quickly sketched here in topical pages offering inside views of rescue vehicles, emergency and operating rooms, and intensive care units. Snippets of text, captions, and photographs explain tools, procedures, and the tasks of the many individuals whose work is often performed under great pressure. Though there are many examples of the types of illness and injury demanding emergency attention, this quick catalog of facts lacks some of the drama of Masoff's Fire! (rev. 3/98). Medical rescue work is seen only in a flash; and some of the explanations are cursory to the point of being misleading. Still, the "you are there" scenarios are absorbing and the graphic views compelling without being disturbing. Best of all, there's an emphasis on many different people absorbed in work that is critically important and satisfying. Bibliography, lists of organizations and websites, and index.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-A colorful, information-packed volume. Each double-page spread features lots of excellent full-color photographs, a large heading, and sidebars. The author discusses what constitutes a medical emergency, getting help to victims, the emergency-room environment, a brief history of emergency medical treatment, and precautionary steps young readers can take to be prepared for an emergency. A list of related sources, from print materials to television shows and Internet sources, is also included. Some facts will fascinate readers (e.g., plastic wrap, Krazy Glue, and turkey basters are sometimes used by doctors and paramedics). Masoff presents solid information and introduces caring, concerned professionals. This attention-grabbing book is better suited to browsing than for straight reading or research, and readers who prefer a more traditional format may find the all-over-the-place combination of text, sidebars, boxed information, large and small photos, and captions a bit fragmented and confusing. Still, solid facts and an enticing package will make this a hot item in almost any library.-Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

This action-packed companion to Fire! (1998) provides an introduction to the personnel, special vehicles, and equipment that are a part of responses to 911 calls for medical emergencies. Each spread includes nearly a dozen full-color close-up photographs with a brief text describing how the tools are used. A spread on "Vital Signs" has a discussion of how emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or emergency room team members check for pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and temperature, and the equipment they use. Other spreads cover the inside of an ambulance, rescue truck, med-evac helicopter, and an operating room. Masoff offers a brief timeline of milestones in medicine, describes what if feels like to be part of the emergency team, suggests ten things readers can do to be prepared for emergencies, and includes places to write for more information. Packed with facts, this title has broad appeal, capturing the pace of emergency work in a visually appealing package. (bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14) .