As the Beacon Turns

About the Book

Hop up, put on your seat belt, flip on the emergency lights, turn the siren knob to yelp and get ready for an adventure that began in the fall of 1975. As the Beacon Turns is a book that was originally written in the minds of those who experience the world of EMS--Emergency Medical Service--during its earlier days in the mid 1970's when the door of this profession read, "No girls allowed! Keep out!" It is based on true events and real people who pioneered the profession long before the title of hero was awarded. For these young men and one young woman, who somehow braved working with these cowboys, it is a career in the making; one that they loved so much they would have done it for free and practically did.

Filled with real emergency calls and unbelieveable antics of comic relief, the book As the Beacon Turns uncovers a true depiction of this journey in an unprecedented way. Toned down to a PG-13 rating, the book reveals the vast variations of personalities and the backgrounds of the people who, throughout the course of living out these events, echoed the words, "Someone should write a book!"

This wonderful tale begins with a young woman named Angela Naomi Gates, the daughter of missionaries, raised by her aunt and uncle on a farm in Michigan; then introduces many other characters and partners. You'll meet one such partner, Dan, whose pride and joy is his Captain America van, who is a connoisseur of women's legs and a huge fan of Muppets. You will also have the dubious pleasure of encountering a street dweller known as Cat Man. Then, before you know it, you'll be riding in the front seat or in the patient compartment of an ambulance and will see how if feels to deliver a baby, what's needed to treat a multiple casualty patient and what to do in many other situations.

Learn what went on in the heart and mind of these emergency responders. What did they do in their spare time and how did they interact with area municipalities and the staff at surrounding medical facilities?

As the Beacon Turns is written with a refreshing spirit and a bit of sass ending with Angela beating the odds of being the first female in the area to join and remain in this profession. She has faced the challenges well and has won the support of those around her.

What readers are saying:

Nita,

I just finished reading your wonderful story.....what a creative writer you are...such an accomplishment....you should be very proud as I am sure you are.... I just loved how q chapter reflected what was going on in the world at that time...put a time frame on things so the reader (me) could put an image in my mind as to where I was and what was going on at that time.... But what a surprise to me how well you handled and responded to those "boys" during that period....I just know that my response would have been very different. I would have "given up" I am sure. or gotten really mean and even!!! I just loved hearing about Aunt Ruth and Uncle Henry....:) I am going to re-read this book and will probably email u after each chapter...with questions!!! lol lol

Vicki

US Registration: WGA#921486, Library of Congress #TXu-1-029-817

About the Author

J.M. Coutts has an Associate in Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Technology. She has twenty-six years in the medical field as a dispatcher, as an EMT, Paramedic and Patient Billing Services Coordinator and paramedic Training Officer at Fleet Ambulance/Paramed Incorporated. Paramedic of the year, Fleet Ambulance. Recognition in an area newspaper for resuscitation of two dogs at a house fire. Recognition from Medical Control Board of Oakland County, 2/27/95, for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest save/survivor who left the hospital alive and walking. Award of Completion--Sport Parachuting Jump, Tecumseh, MI and for Ministry Training School, Mt. Zion. Has sung in the church choir for several years, enjoys writing, gardening and gourmet cooking.