PARAMEDIC RELAUNCHES LIFE-SAVING HANDBOOK
AFORMER paramedic from Runcorn believes he is now saving more lives than when he was working after a book he wrote became a hit.
Steve Evans MBE, 64, said A Guide Through The Maze Of ECGs has now been downloaded 28,700 times after it was republished as an ebook, two decades after its original print run in 1996.
The title’s surge in popularity followed its recommendation to student paramedics at universities including Liverpool John Moores.
Its instructions on how to use electro-cardiogram (ECG) tests have also been shared far and wide and far beyond the UK’s border. ECGs are vital for paramedics in working out what course of emergency treatment is best for a heart attack patient, with the decision often the crucial difference between life and death.
The former holder of the Halton person of the year title was also inspired to launch his own website, created by his son.
Steve said he has been keeping busy during his retirement and also took part in the Age UK ‘Do You See Me’ campaign to encourage awareness about the contribution that retirees can make.
The book release has also sparked a flurry of invitations to do talks including to Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
Its popularity might be in part due to it being a ‘simple book, aimed at medical students, nurses and student paramedics’.
Explaining the importance of the ECG book, he said: “Basically an ambulance has a heart monitor on board and paramedics need to be able to read the ECG to work out if if the patient needs defibrillation, or needs to be taken to a heart emergency centre which gives them the best chance of survival.
“It also needs to read rhythms.
“I thought I’d had enough!”
Learn more at www.steveevans-mbe.co.uk