After a childhood pickled in alcohol and punctuated by parental fighting, stints in journalism and house removals, Kit Wharton joined the NHS ambulance service. He hasn't looked back. This is his report from the front line: 999 calls that hurtle him to the critical moments in other peoples' lives.

Shocking, funny and unflinchingly honest, Emergency Admissions is full of humor and tragedy, courage and fear, time-wasting and life-saving - a fascinating glimpse into the extraordinary world of ambulance driving from the man behind the wheel.