"First Responders' Handbook of Humor"
By John Hicks & Dan Jordan
Reviewed by Jackie Houchin

Firefighter/Paramedic John Hicks' Handbook of Humor (co-authored with Deputy Sheriff Dan Jordan) is both educational and entertaining. Unlike his other three adventure books for children, this one's written for adults.

The first section of the book deals with stress and how it impacts the lives of First Responders (Fire, EMS, and Police). What is stress? What are its symptoms? And what are the serious consequences if not relieved? (Anxiety, alcoholism, suicide, etc.) The authors share many practical helps for coping with stress. They also suggest using what they call the "Triad of Balance" which includes Creativeness, Playfulness and Humor.

The rest of the book consists of short, slice-of-life stories and anecdotes (think...Reader's Digest "All in a Day's Work") from the lives of First Responders across the United States and England (one from Afghanistan!). Most are funny (some wickedly so) but a few are poignant, as in a tribute to the heroes of the 9-11 disaster. There are also cartoons, poems and tidbits of historical facts. An informative and enjoyable read!

The First Responders Handbook of Humor raises one "touchy" issue that is hard to avoid today because of its visibility in the news - that of the prevalence of pranks or practical jokes being played among veterans and rookies in Fire Stations, and occasionally among Police Officers.

John Hicks assures readers that these jokes are playful, not meant to be malicious, and are often "revenged" by the "victim," to the delight of ALL involved. In fact, an earlier chapter in the book is entitled, Humor Safety, and describes inappropriate types of humor and how to avoid them.

"Unfortunately," wrote Hicks to this reviewer, "even the most innocent of jokes get turned into something they are not when it concerns money. Not to say what has happened recently was right. It was a joke that got carried too far, but that was all it was. A lot of innocent, good people were hurt over this (OUR FIRE CHIEF)."

"Many high-stress professions have initiation rituals for newcomers and use hazing and pranks as a way to blow off steam and bind a community, experts say. And generally the more dangerous the job, the more elaborate the rituals." **

"LAFD psychologist Robert Scott said firefighters can witness more trauma and pain in one shift than some people see in a lifetime, so they use humor to cope." **

**From the December 8, 2006 Daily News article by Kerry Cavanaugh.

Gain insight about this matter and about the stress First Responders face every day, in John Hicks' and Dan Jordan's book. $12.95 (Signed and shipped free) from www.quietmanpublishing.com