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  • The Complete Blood Sweat and Tea

  • By: Tom Reynolds
  • Narrated by: Daniel Philpott
  • Length: 17 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (138 ratings)
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The Complete Blood Sweat and Tea cover art

The Complete Blood Sweat and Tea

By: Tom Reynolds
Narrated by: Daniel Philpott
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Summary

A beautifully written insight into the stresses, strains and successes of working for the London Ambulance service.

Is there anyone who hasn't wondered about the state of the occupant of an ambulance, screaming along with its sirens on and blue lights flashing? Have you? And have you wondered about the other people inside the ambulance, maybe fighting to save the patient's life? Or have you considered that the ambulance may be another 'maternataxi' ordered by a woman who can't be bothered to book a real cab and who then complains she can't smoke on the way to hospital? And that the medical technician inside might just be desperate to get back home from a busy shift, to have a cup of tea and catch up with his blog?

Meet Tom Reynolds. Tom is an emergency medical technician who works for the London Ambulance Service in East London. He has kept a blog of his daily working life since 2003, and his award-winning writing is, by turn, moving, cynical, funny, heart-rending and compassionate. It is never less than compelling.

From the tragic to the hilarious, from the heartwarming to the terrifying, the stories Tom tells give a fascinating - and at times alarming - picture of life in inner-city Britain and the people who are paid to mop up after it.

©2010 HarperCollins Publishers (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

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What listeners say about The Complete Blood Sweat and Tea

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

What a miserable person

I usually love hearing these recounts (as a healthcare worker myself) but I couldn’t get past how miserable and judgemental this man was. Not a single story went by without him passing judgment or making rude remarks. Clearly has been very lucky to never have battled addiction or ill health. A sore example of how the UK’s healthcare workers see the world.

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2 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Borderline offensive and embarrassing to LAS

The majority of this book is great, the narrator really creates a character and it’s easy listening.

And the majority of the book and it’s content is great, however. At times, the authors language and frequent expression of disgust and distaste towards alcoholics and other addicts is cringe worthy.

For someone who’s job it is, is to deal with the most vulnerable of society when in need, his distaste towards any form of addict, and his clear view that they are not worth his time, skills or that of the nhs is an embarrassment to the service he represents.

Nobody choose to be an addict. They’re sick people too and need help, probably more than most.

He seems to believe he is better than them. Whilst the job he does is heroic, he is not a hero and is not above “jobs” or “junkies”

Ruined what was an interesting read turned it off in front of my father in law as I was embarrassed by what the narrator was reading.

Worth noting his frequent comment about the race and cultures of his patients is just as toe curl inducingly awkward at times.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting stories but from a very rude angle

I’ve listened to a few of these books from healthcare workers and I find them very interesting. Most of them manage to tell the stories in such a way that you get the real nitty gritty but you can tell they still care. The writer of these stories comes across as rude and judgemental and at times very crass indeed. If things like that don’t bother you then this could be an enjoyable listen but otherwise I’d say it’s not worth the download.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

brilliant

.makes you angry at the idiots in the story, makes you laugh makes you cry, brilliant book.
and sir if your ever reading this, for saving that wet, smoky poo cat, I'll love to buy you a pint, well done my friend

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1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

A good insight - but from the wrong eyes?

This is one paramedic's views and experiences of his job, the people he comes across and the ambulance service in London as a whole.
Interesting yes, but I wish it had been written by someone else. The author comes across as judgemental and opinionated. It would be good just to have the facts without all the asides, so that the reader/listener can make their own decisions about the different situations. Also it would have been better if the author wasn't trying so hard to be PC that they end up sounding bigoted. It would be better to not mention a patients colour, race or ethnic background than to mention it and then go on about how mentioning it isn't racist. The author needs to work on their descriptive writing or hire a ghost writer.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

just so relatable

funny, sad, tragic, honest... and as a volunteer first responder, relateabke. oh and Thanks for complimentary references to SJA Tom, much appreciated! highly recommended

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A must read

One of the best audible books I have ever listened to. So honestly written and wonderfully narrated, full of laughs interspersed with sorrow. It has certainly made me count my blessings and upped my already utmost respect for our medics and NHS staff. Highly recommend.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Hope he never has to save me

What a miserable and disrespectful man having had 3 blue light taxis in recent months man am I glad it wasn’t him

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Compulsory listening

Just listen to it. Especially if you work for the government. Drink responsibility and if you are about to have a baby you do not need a ambulance, people were having babies before ambulances. If you are having a heart attack take an aspirin and call an ambulance. A must listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Really good long, interesting and funny.

Loved it. Nice and long, Great writing, good content and all the feels. Definitely worth it.

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