Because We Care - by Russell N Myers (Paperback)

About the Book

Until now, chaplaincy in Emergency Medical Services has been the terra incognita, the unknown land on the chaplaincy map. Russell Myers gives us the map, making the case for ambulance service chaplaincy-how to think about it and how to do it.

Book Synopsis

Over the past half century, the field of chaplaincy has come to a fork in the road. Many will recognize the well-traveled path of traditional chaplaincy. Others will follow the newer but clearly marked way to professional chaplaincy: a clinically trained, evidence-based discipline, reflecting and serving the diverse expressions of spirituality in modern society. Until now, chaplaincy in Emergency Medical Services has been the terra incognita, the unknown land on the chaplaincy map. Drawing on three decades of clinical chaplaincy practice, scholarship and original research, Russell Myers gives us the map, making the case for ambulance service chaplaincy-how to think about it and how to do it.

Review Quotes

It was a pleasure to read Chaplain Russell Myer's well-written handbook, an excellent guide and resource for those seeking to be present as EMS (Emergency Medical Services, first responder) chaplains. The book is thankfully to the point, and leaves departure points for discussion about the future of EMS chaplaincy.

Myers has been devoted to EMS chaplaincy (serving the religious, spiritual, and non-religious) and his book is "based on 14 years of explanation (many folks are not familiar with chaplains or what they do), discussion, trial, and error." He shares personal stories, stories of the rescued whom he supports, as well as support for emergency responders with whom he collaborates. The book's title extends to care for all and shares the value of chaplains.

I am devoted to palliative care, often with emergency rescue scenarios. I appreciated reading some of the parallels, and most of all his suggestions for language and approach during trauma, and his advocacy for a national professional EMS chaplaincy model than includes diversity.