"Life in the Balance: Emergency Medicine and the Quest for Survival" by Mickey S Eisenberg explores the history of emergency medicine, focusing on the evolution of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Eisenberg highlights the long-standing misconceptions about resuscitation methods, such as the rejection of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and the delayed recognition of external cardiac massage. The book provides a detailed account of the development of CPR in the 20th century, emphasizing the challenges faced by pioneers in this field. Despite the author's skepticism about the effectiveness of CPR in many cases, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the subject, including economic costs, clinical death, and the role of non-medically trained personnel. It also touches on the ethical and practical implications of CPR, making it a valuable resource for both the general public and medical professionals. " The Audit Society: Rituals of Verification" by Michael Power critically examines the audit process in healthcare, highlighting its role in clinical and administrative decision-making. The book argues that the current emphasis on observation over action is problematic, and suggests that audit should be used as a tool for improvement rather than a hindrance. While the book is dense and covers a wide range of topics, it provides useful insights for managers and physicians seeking to understand and critically assess the role of audit in their organizations. The selection includes other books on medical topics, such as "Medical Futility," which examines end-of-life care, and "Tools of the Trade and Rules of the Road: A Surgical Guide," which provides practical guidance for surgeons. The books collectively highlight the importance of understanding medical practices, ethics, and the evolving nature of healthcare."Life in the Balance: Emergency Medicine and the Quest for Survival" by Mickey S Eisenberg explores the history of emergency medicine, focusing on the evolution of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Eisenberg highlights the long-standing misconceptions about resuscitation methods, such as the rejection of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and the delayed recognition of external cardiac massage. The book provides a detailed account of the development of CPR in the 20th century, emphasizing the challenges faced by pioneers in this field. Despite the author's skepticism about the effectiveness of CPR in many cases, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the subject, including economic costs, clinical death, and the role of non-medically trained personnel. It also touches on the ethical and practical implications of CPR, making it a valuable resource for both the general public and medical professionals. " The Audit Society: Rituals of Verification" by Michael Power critically examines the audit process in healthcare, highlighting its role in clinical and administrative decision-making. The book argues that the current emphasis on observation over action is problematic, and suggests that audit should be used as a tool for improvement rather than a hindrance. While the book is dense and covers a wide range of topics, it provides useful insights for managers and physicians seeking to understand and critically assess the role of audit in their organizations. The selection includes other books on medical topics, such as "Medical Futility," which examines end-of-life care, and "Tools of the Trade and Rules of the Road: A Surgical Guide," which provides practical guidance for surgeons. The books collectively highlight the importance of understanding medical practices, ethics, and the evolving nature of healthcare.