Miracles & Mayhem in the ER: Unbelievable True Stories from an Emergency Room Doctor Paperback – August 15, 2013

If you want a good read on what really happens in the E.R.- and the residents in training, then I would recommend this book highly..Yes, as others have pointed out, there are times when he could have shortened a story, but all in all, I really enjoyed this book.O.K. spoiler alert (of sorts). He discusses why doctors have to balance between ordering unnecessary tests vs. covering your A$$.He brings up a very interesting TRUE scenario where a fellow E.R. physician, who went thru training and residency with another E.R. doctor and then maliciously testifies against him, in 6 million dollar lawsuit. You'll have to read to find out what the jury decided.You might think some of these stories are embellished , for the "OH my gosh!" factor. But having worked 12 years in 56 bed E.R. in Florida, I can tell you, you can't make this stuff up. Suppose I should write my own book.I think Brent must have written this book awhile ago, because in one scenario, and EMT asks if he can bring an inmate in who had committed suicide by "Toothbrush". Of course Brent, curious to see how this could happen, says "Sure, bring 'em in." I have worked in several state prisons and many county facilities, and they don't give out full size toothbrushes anymore for the very reason of this story.Brent if you're reading this. Thanks for the ride!P.S. And yes, the Full Moon theory is really alive . . . tormenting E.R. staff today.

This book appeared on one of the many lists I receive touting discounted Kindle e-books. I immediately went over to Amazon.com and noticed it had pretty decent reviews. Besides, if I didn’t like it, I was only out $3.00.I think this is the first time I’ve ever reviewed a book immediately after finishing it, but then, Miracles and Mayhem in the ER is that kind of book.It’s partly because I live in the Portland Oregon area where most of the book takes place (and became totally confused when he talked about working at “Brookwood” hospital, trying desperately to remember where this was; it wasn’t until I read the afterwards that I realized he’d made it up), I think it was more to the point that this was a really good read.I found myself not only reading it during lunch but also, before I went to bed. I really enjoyed his stories, whether it was that one night he became a believer in the fact that the crazies do come out during the Full Moon (I noticed that too working inbound customer service for AT&T Mobility – nothing like working the late shift and having drunks try to pay their phone bills) or discussing the Portland area and its great outdoors.What I really appreciate about Dr. Russell’s style of writing is that he managed to weave his background growing up in Mississippi in with his stories of his training and the ER. I’ve read other books (most notably Thomas Starzl’s The Puzzle People: Memoirs of a Transplant Surgeon where he continually apologizes for being a racist in his earlier days) where the doctor’s background story takes away from the main narrative. Not in this book. He expertly wove his personal story into the over-all medical narrative.As you can guess, I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading it a second time because I know it will be as a fun a read as the first time.Highly recommended and I give it a solid 5/5.

This book told a lot about the life of Brent Rock Russell, the author, as well as descriptions of real ER patients and their cases. We usually don't know what kind of a childhood our doctors had, or what they did as teenagers. The ER cases cover the full range of emergencies from an unexplained, sudden high fever to the usual broken bones and injuries the human body is subject to. The ER crew must make many life or death decisions in a very short time. Then there are the hospital politics and financial interests to be managed. In between, the doctors are falling in love, getting married, having babies and struggling financially on a resident's salary. It's easy to forget your ER doctor actually has a real life outside of their work. Then there are the mentally unstable patients who can be a physical danger to the docs. This book pulled me in from the first paragraph. I enjoyed it so much I went to the author's website where I found a second "bonus" book continuing the stories. Oh yah, I almost forgot, this book is also extremely funny in a few spots. It has everything! Haven't read the second book yet, but it's on my short list.

I did enjoy this book because it truly gave the reader not only insight as to what goes on in the ER but what it takes to become an ER doctor as well. The long grueling hours, the back stabbers, the individuals who suffer and die as well as the ones who have miraculous recoveries. It is often funny, and gut wrenching, like the malpractice suit experienced by Dr. Russell's friend Noah; we are literally on the edge of our seats wondering what the outcome wold be.My only complaint about this book is that it appears to be a bit disjointed in parts. Reading about the author's growth as a physician was most insightful; however, some of the personal experiences lead one to believe when and where and with whom did some of these events happen. However, the author does say as a disclaimer that possibly some of these events may not have been remembered exactly as they occurred. All in all, worth reading.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book - funny and informativeWould recommend this to anyone who is curious about doctors dutiesPretty scary too knowing that one wrong decision and you are ruined for the rest of your life!!Physicians are only human but for some reason we treat them like they have a direct line to God - this book reminds us that they are trying to do the best job they can even with all odds against them

This was a pretty good read. Not loaded down with excess rubbish. Nice to read about the non-work days too

Dr. Russell has an easy-to-read informal style and paints an entertaining picture of his ER experiences. His book gives great insight into the life, struggles, and rewards of being an ER doctor. A fun read.

Really good book well written

Excellent read. Not a dull moment. Fast paced. Well written. Couldn't put it down. Very informative and educational. Would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in what life in an ER setting is like. Very real!