Editor’s note: “Medic, a diary,” is a graphic novel documenting Dave Horowitz’s true-to-life journey from totally green EMT to seasoned and potentially burned-out paramedic. During his 10 years on the ambulance, Horowitz has worked through the bankruptcy of one agency, a global pandemic, and has been witness to the relentless suffering that is the bread and butter of EMS.
“Genuinely unbelievable and absolutely insane! Yet entirely true. It’s one thing to be told these stories but another altogether to watch them. Which is exactly what Horowitz has given us — a chance to bear witness. Profane in its depiction, exquisite in its simplicity, “Medic” drags you right up next to the dead and forces you to look. The great magic trick is that in each panel he’s managed to squeeze in all the humor, indifference and grace that define a life on the ambulance. This book will blow you away.”
— Kevin Hazzard, award-winning writer of “No One’s Coming, A Thousand Naked Strangers,” and “American Sirens”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dave Horowitz is the author and illustrator of nearly 20 popular books for children, including “The ugly pumpkin,” “Five Little Gefiltes,” “Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again” and “Emergency Monster Squad.”
“Medic” is Horowitz’s first illustrated work not intended for children.
As well as being a popular author and illustrator, Horowitz has been working as a paramedic and riding ambulances for over 10 years in New York’s Hudson Valley.
This excerpt is reprinted with permission from “Medic, a diary,” by Dave Horowitz, available at Amazon, blackpencilpress.com and BN.com, published in 2025 by Black Pencil Press, LLC.
