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  • The Dark Side

  • Real Life Accounts of an NHS Paramedic: The Good, the Bad and the Downright Ugly
  • By: Andy Thompson
  • Narrated by: Pete Nottage
  • Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (155 ratings)
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The Dark Side cover art

The Dark Side

By: Andy Thompson
Narrated by: Pete Nottage
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Summary

Andy Thompson's true-to-life, graphic, and gripping account of his work as an NHS paramedic in Britain's Accident and Emergency Ambulance Service will shock you, sadden you, entertain you, and perhaps inspire you. You'll smile at some of Andy's real patient encounters, while others will cause you to wipe a tear.

Using official NHS documentation recorded at the time to give precise details of each incident, Andy has held firm to the real-life accounts, even in keeping the dialogue as close as his memory allows to what was really said at the time. It's as if you're there next to him, struggling with the effects of adrenaline and fighting to save life. This is a rare work of medical nonfiction delivered in a way that is factual, informative, but at the same time naturally entertaining and moving, written with candour and humour. And if you have ever thought what it takes to become a paramedic - or any other of the specialist vocations - and that you could never achieve it yourself, Andy's inspiring story of how he went from postman to frontline healthcare professional, fulfilling his dream, will make you think again that anything is possible if you have the desire.

Andy says there are no heroics in the book and that he simply did his job, but we are sure The Dark Side will leave you convinced there are true heroes on our streets right here, right now. Saving lives every day, every night and often against all the odds. It might even change your whole perspective on life.

©2014 Andy Thompson (P)2015 Andy Thompson

What listeners say about The Dark Side

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Laughter tears and much more!

Loved it! Brilliant book, made me laugh cry and gasp at some stories! Giving an excellent insight into the jobs paramedics can go to.

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High pace listening

I'm a radiologist and I've enjoyed this audiobook a lot. Well written and with great performance. Fast tempo but smooth to follow. Spiced with English humor. Interesting for medical and non-medical audience.

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Great book

Second time I've listened to a book of his. Brilliantly written and put together. Great stories sad and funny as you'd expect

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I loved this book

Thsnk you Andy for giving us a real eye view of a paramedic. Using medical terms but taking the time to explain the various slang terms so that the layman can understand.

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I LOVED it.

Having had a few paramedic visits myself, a number of severe sepsis infections and bowel blockages, I can tell you how amazing these people are. I’ve often wondered what their working shifts are like and what their train of thoughts are on scene. Now I know. It was fascinating to hear how each patient is assessed and subsequently treated and where possible, the outcome. I really enjoyed the technical terms and descriptions and had they not been used this book wouldn’t have been so interesting and gripping. Andy Thompson, I hope you write another book, ....soon. Thank you.

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Brilliant

some negative reviews but its a great listen and a real insight into the job

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loved it!

intense, moving, not patronising, medically accurate, a great detailed account of working as a para, looking forward to listening to book two.

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.

great book, really interesting, but I wish someone had told him how to pronounce "ascertain" correctly.

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Loved this book

What an interesting insight into the work of a paramedic.
Fantastic narration and really easy to listen to. Even though some dark topics are discussed, this is done with empathy, care and even a little humour. Can’t wait for part 2.

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  • 04-12-17

Brilliant

Such a brilliant book. I felt Humour, tears and concern whilst listening to this.
It’s written very well!

Downloading the part 2 straight away!

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1 person found this helpful