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  • Critical

  • Science and Stories from the Brink of Human Life
  • By: Dr Matt Morgan
  • Narrated by: Dr Matt Morgan
  • Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (708 ratings)
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Critical cover art

Critical

By: Dr Matt Morgan
Narrated by: Dr Matt Morgan
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Summary

Journey into the world of intensive care medicine and the lives of people who have forever been changed by it.

There is no room for error in the ICU. Full focus is required at all times.

It can be the difference between life and death.

Through the remarkable stories of his patients, Dr. Matt Morgan guides you through the body and its organs. He explains how various critical conditions arise, and all that goes into treating them – from the science, research and technology, to the tireless efforts of the doctors and nurses. This book gives you powerful insights about intensive care, many of which may prevent you, or those close to you, from ending up there. It will even teach you how to save a life.  

Movingly and compassionately, Matt writes about the cases and the people that have stayed with him, both the recoveries and the losses. This book shows the fragility of life, but also the incredible resilience of the human body and spirit.

Sometimes darkness can show you the light.

©2019 Dr Matt Morgan (P)2019 Simon & Schuster UK

Critic reviews

"A very special book filled with stories of survival, hope and loss." (Adam Kay)

"[Morgan's] wit and compassion are everywhere evident in this enlightening book, and he makes a welcome contribution to our understanding of these extraordinary times." (Sunday Times)

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What listeners say about Critical

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Masterpiece

Dr Matt Morgan has produced a wonderful wonderful book. Listening to him tell me these stories has been very special.

As he narrates these accounts his sincerity humanity and humility is obvious.

Thank you Dr Matt, primarily for doing your job, with such skill and care but I also thank you for giving us a window Into the world of ICU.

ICU can seem cold, clinical, jammed full of complex kit, I remember spending 2 weeks in one with my father. Your book reminds me of how I felt during that time. All the machines are really only props, albeit very important props. At heart of these places are people, the staff, the patients and their loved ones.

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17 people found this helpful

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Makes me proud to work in ITU

From a critical care nurse with over 20years experience I loved this book.
Honest, sincere and easy to understand. Reflects so much of what we all feel.
We are privileged to work in Critical care and be part of such amazing teams and touch peoples lives when they are most vulnerable.

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17 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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absolutely exceptional book

Absolutely exceptional book and essential reading for any patient, patient to be, relative or friend of anyone who will one day suffer from severe illness, I.e. everyone. Moving, important, inspiring and even funny at times. Read it, it may save a life.

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8 people found this helpful

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Excellent insight

Some heart warming and heart wrenching patient stories. Fantastic detail into the world of critical care and how allied health professionals are key to the successful ICU team!

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8 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A great introduction to the inside world of ICU

An insightful and interesting glimpse into the world of ICU. Well read with a good blend of technical terms and simple wording.

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7 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Don't bother

I have downloaded and listened to many Audible's similar to this, and while the others are full of enthusiasm and emotion, the narrator really has let this one down.

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7 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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story was ok but something's missing .

the narrator didn't make me feel engaged with this story at all. his voice was drab and monotone which made me switch off quite a bit. if the narrator could make the story come to life, then the book would have been enjoyable and I could empathise with the patients and doctor himself.

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Thought provoking

makes you realise that death is better than living with the large amount of disability that treatment the ICU often lead to. And to treat these people who should have obviously died is really the inhumane thing to do.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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absolutely loved it!

very interesting and a great listen! 100% reccomend. Made me think about a career in intensive care medicine and the personal stories made it applicable to real life :)

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Great story but really, really dull narrator.

Really dull narrator. Great story that read by someone else would be amazing. It seemed that he was so focused on hiding his accent he lost enthusiasm and emotion.

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3 people found this helpful