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CM . . .
. Volume XI Number 12 . . . .February 18, 2005
excerpt:
Designed for a younger audience, these titles in the "My Community and Its Helpers" series showcase workers who help people and animals in case of emergency. Emergency Workers are on Their Way! introduces readers to the various types of emergencies— wildfires, natural disasters, water rescues, injuries and animal rescues—that occur both in the city and in rural or remote areas. For each type of emergency, the kinds of special equipment required and the roles of the workers who are called upon to assist are explained. One section highlights the workers who help people after a natural disaster and includes groups such as utility workers, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. Also mentioned is the importance of having a family emergency plan. Firefighters to the Rescue! gives readers a tour of the fire station and explains the design and purpose of the firefighters' turnout gear (clothing), tools, equipment and the various types of fire trucks. The authors list the steps in fighting a fire, the roles played by the firefighters, and describe some of the thermal imaging devices which help to find people and pets that are trapped in burning buildings. There is a section devoted to fighting wildfires with water bombers and firebreaks and another devoted to unusual non-fire related emergencies for which firefighters are often called, one example being rescuing people who are stuck in elevators. A reference to the heroic actions of New York firefighters during 9/11 is age-appropriate. Finally, there is information about a home fire safety plan and the qualifications required by people considering a career in firefighting. Dealing with disease, injuries and emergency illnesses is the job of a variety of hospital workers such as doctors, nurses, medical technicians, pharmacists and diagnostic imaging technologists, to name a few. Hospital Workers in the Emergency Room features medical terms pertaining to hospital admission and treatment in the emergency room, the roles and clothing of the many medical personnel, and what procedures to expect at the hospital. Some of the procedures described are taking a patient's blood pressure with a cuff, giving intravenous fluids, and taking x-rays. A few websites related to the topic are provided. Veterinarians Help Keep Animals Healthy describes the job of a veterinarian, what happens at the clinic, and the tools used to examine animals and animal surgeries. Readers will find the sections on treating farm, zoo and sport animals, such as polo ponies and rodeo animals, particularly interesting, especially the photos of a horse on a hoist or a giraffe having surgery. Also featured is a chapter on the signs indicating that one's pet is ill and another on the job of a veterinary assistant. Animal shelters and adopt-a-pet plans are described as well. Five websites for further study of the topic are listed. This series is perfect for primary school children. It gives just enough information to satisfy a youngster's curiosity and provides excellent, carefully selected photographs, the text and the photos working in tandem so as not to arouse fear and anxiety about potentially scary subjects. A table of contents, an index and a brief glossary are included. (Just one cautionary note: not all words printed in boldface type are included in the glossary.) A good introduction to emergency workers in the community. Recommended. Gail Hamilton is a teacher-librarian at Bird's Hill School in East St. Paul, MB.
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