Episode Summary: "A REAL EMERGENCY: Stories from the Ambulance" featuring Joanna Sokol

Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Joanna Sokol, Author of A Real Emergency: Stories from the Ambulance
Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction to the Guest

At [04:07], Zibby Owens welcomes Joanna Sokol, highlighting her extensive experience as an EMT and paramedic. Joanna has dedicated over a decade to the 911 ambulance services across diverse environments, from the beaches of Santa Cruz to the deserts of Reno and the bustling streets of San Francisco. Her background includes roles as a ski patroller, wilderness EMT, and medical standby for large events. Joanna holds a paramedic license and a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her literary contributions have been featured in publications like Reader's Digest and Hazlitt, and she received the Sydney Award in 2019.

Overview of A Real Emergency

Joanna Sokol delves into the essence of her memoir, explaining at [04:34] that the book is a compilation of stories, thoughts, and voices collected over her 14-year career. She emphasizes that A Real Emergency is not just her personal narrative but a collective voice of EMTs and paramedics, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the realities of emergency medical services (EMS). The memoir portrays the daily challenges, emotional tolls, and the often unforeseen nature of EMS work.

The Reality of EMS Calls

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the nature of EMS calls. At [06:39], Joanna highlights a fundamental paradox of the 911 system: while society perceives it as a lifeline for dire emergencies, [06:39] she notes, "roughly 90 to 95% of calls are not what we call code three—scary life or death emergencies." Instead, the majority involve assisting the elderly, chronically ill, homeless individuals, or those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. This revelation contrasts sharply with the initial expectations EMTs might have about the frequency of high-stakes emergencies.

Challenges in the EMS Field

Joanna sheds light on several systemic issues plaguing the EMS industry:

1. Staffing Shortages: At [10:48], she explains, "our staffing is really challenging these days." The low median wage for paramedics ($25 an hour as of May) makes it difficult to retain staff, leading to inadequate staffing levels and delayed ambulance responses.

2. Financial Strain: EMS services often operate at a loss because many patients cannot afford to pay medical bills. This financial instability hampers the ability to maintain and expand services.

3. Ambulance Availability: Joanna discusses the concept of "wall time" at [12:54], where ambulances are held up at hospitals waiting for beds, reducing their availability for new calls. This bottleneck exacerbates response times, especially in rural areas where an ambulance might take significantly longer to arrive.

Emotional and Physical Toll

The emotional resilience required for EMS professionals is a recurring theme. Joanna shares at [15:03] the immense camaraderie among EMTs, which serves as a crucial support system amidst the demanding nature of the job. She recounts a poignant story from her book at [15:03] about sharing a brief, serene moment with a colleague in a parking lot, highlighting the importance of small, meaningful interactions that sustain them through grueling shifts.

Motivations and Personal Journey

When Zibby asks Joanna what drew her to EMS and what keeps her in the field despite the challenges, Joanna reflects at [18:47] on her initial motivations. She sought an exciting and impactful career that combined her scientific interests with immediate, hands-on help for people. Despite facing burnout and physical injuries, the sense of purpose and the bond with her colleagues kept her committed. Joanna emphasizes the lack of alternative career paths for many paramedics, noting at [18:52] that numerous EMTs have limited options beyond their current roles, often feeling trapped in the profession.

Insights for the Public

In addressing how the public can better understand and support EMS professionals, Joanna offers valuable insights at [22:25]:

• Humanize EMS Workers: Joanna urges listeners to see paramedics and EMTs as individuals with their own lives, needs, and vulnerabilities. "We have good days and bad days," she states at [22:29], emphasizing that EMTs are humans who sometimes need rest, nourishment, and compassion.

• Respect Their Efforts: Understanding the immense pressure and unpredictability of the job can foster empathy. Joanna advises, "If you're scared, that's okay. That's our job," at [22:29], highlighting that EMTs are trained to handle fear and urgency without judgment.

• Patience and Kindness: She encourages the public to be patient and kind, recognizing that delays or frustrations are often beyond the control of EMS workers. "Try to understand that we are people, too," Joanna implores at [22:29].

Joanna's Future Endeavors

Upon discussing her future plans, Joanna reveals at [28:45] that she is currently teaching EMTs and paramedics at community colleges in the Bay Area. She expresses a desire to further her education, potentially pursuing nursing or PA school, while also contemplating a return to patient care once she recovers from her physical injuries. Joanna acknowledges the significant effort required to write her memoir, which she undertook while still active in the field, thereby managing both roles simultaneously.

Closing Thoughts

Zibby Owens wraps up the conversation by reflecting on the newfound appreciation for EMS professionals, acknowledging the continuous dedication required in the field. She shares a personal realization from the episode: every time she hears an ambulance siren passing by, she now understands that it's just a fraction of the demand EMS faces daily.

Notable Quotes

• Joanna Sokol at [06:39]:
  "Roughly, it's like 90 to 95% of calls are not what we call code three. Returns those, like, lights and sirens, scary life or death emergencies."

• Joanna Sokol at [15:03]:
  "We're sitting in the back of this parking lot, and I have to write my chart... we have, like, five minutes before we have to go run another call... it's just such a beautiful... constant reminder of the camaraderie that keeps us going."

• Joanna Sokol at [22:29]:
  "We have good days and bad days. We occasionally need to eat and use the bathroom and sleep, and we are out there. We're trying as hard as we can, I promise. But we are actually humans."

Conclusion

Joanna Sokol's A Real Emergency: Stories from the Ambulance offers a compelling and heartfelt portrayal of life as an EMT and paramedic. Through her memoir, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges, emotional burdens, and unwavering dedication that define the EMS profession. This episode not only celebrates Joanna's literary achievements but also serves as a poignant reminder of the essential yet often underappreciated work performed by emergency medical professionals every day.