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Must-read books for EMS leaders and paramedics

Explore the books EMS leaders, EMS1 contributors and experts recommend to advance your career, build leadership skills and inspire the next generation

Stack of books with blurred bookshelf background, reading, learning, education or home office concept

Stack of books with blurred bookshelf background, reading, learning, education or home office concept

Photo/Getty Images

By EMS1 Staff

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, looking to sharpen your leadership skills or aiming to expand your clinical expertise, reading is a powerful tool for professional growth in EMS.

We’ve gathered book recommendations from EMS leaders and EMS1 contributors, as well as book excerpts showcasing reads that cater to EMTs, paramedics and EMS supervisors. These picks cover leadership, clinical practice, personal development and even children’s books to inspire the next generation of EMS professionals.

Let these titles motivate you to learn, grow, and lead in the ever-evolving world of emergency medical services.

Dive into a good book
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Top book picks from EMS leaders, EMS1 contributors

Advance in your career, climb the ladder and inspire the next generation of EMTs with these top EMS picks.

Books
From learning resources to comic relief, there’s something for everyone
The books were used to illustrate key concepts, support the speaker’s principles or to call on other leaders to be lifelong learners
These nine leaderships books have been voted among the best in the genre
Books
Next time you select a book for your child, consider these EMS-themed reads

Book excerpts

From reflections on harrowing calls, to communication tips, legal advise and even a children’s book, check out these excerpts before choosing your next read.

Books
“An eastbound freight train with a gigantic wooden bumper had struck a car, leaving several passengers trapped and critically injured – some of them actually under the train. The vehicle was a piece of twisted wreckage and only shreds of wood remained of the train’s bumper, but the train seemed to be untouched.”
Books
“You pull into a commercial parking lot and find a large 80s-style sedan with a couple of people standing around it. It is head-on into the concrete base of a parking lot light pole. You notice the front grill is compressed, the hood is crumpled, and an elderly gentleman is standing outside talking to two other individuals, and he appears upset.”
“People skills are the soup stock you can use to cook up answers to the full range of the human emergency spectrum, from critical situations, to medical and trauma challenges, to routine transfers. You may not be in a position to say a single word out loud, but as a member of the team arriving to help you can still “say” a great deal by such actions as wiping your shoes as you enter.”
“‘I’m not sure the best way to say it, so I’ll just say it.’ She paused and looked him in the eyes. ‘I’m worried about your drinking.’”
Books
“At some point in your EMS career, you will likely find yourself under investigation for something. Not only is it very easy – and common – anymore for people to complain about one thing or another, but now more than ever, every complaint receives some sort of follow up and that usually means an investigation.”
“The doorman greets us with a Brooks Brothers nod as we enter the structure. I kept having this peculiar feeling about this call though. Low and behold, as we walk through the foyer, the elevator opens and a man in his 50’s runs towards us covered in blood. ‘You have to help me!’ He screamed frantically.”
“Often times after my husband gets off shift, I make it a point to first ask him what he needs before I discuss any tasks I have for him. I want his wellness to come first and our to-do list second.”
“Dispatching Frederick the Paramedic. Respond to the Giggle Grove indoor playground for an allergic emergency!”


Shop the recommendations

Leadership picks

EMS memoirs

Clinical picks

Children’s books

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EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors. This article, originally published in December 2024, has been updated.

EMS1 Staff comprises experienced writers, editors, and EMS professionals dedicated to delivering trusted, timely, and actionable information and resources for public safety. EMS1 Staff is committed to equipping EMS providers with the knowledge and resources they need to excel in pre-hospital care. With a focus on delivering breaking news, expert advice, and practical tools, our team ensures EMTs and paramedics have access to reliable information that supports their professional growth and enhances patient outcomes.

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