Most medical crises don’t happen out of the blue — the body often gives us warning signs first. The problem is, too many of us don’t recognize what to look for, what to say, or how to act when seconds count.

For me, this is personal. I lost my father in the ER when the signs were missed, and that tragedy set me on a lifelong mission to make sure fewer families experience the same pain. Over the past 25 years, my career has taken me from family practice to cardiovascular units, intensive care, critical care transport, and emergency rooms—giving me a front-row seat to medicine at its most urgent. From the bedside to advanced practice, and even serving as a patient safety manager at a major hospital, I’ve dedicated my career to improving care, strengthening systems, and preventing errors before they reach the patient.

Drawing from my personal journey of loss, survival, and the moment I had to spring into action for my mother when every second mattered, I wrote this book as a survival guide for patients and families.

Part memoir, part practical guide, How Not to Die in the ER empowers readers to:

• Recognize when something just isn’t right—and trust that instinct
• Find your voice when you feel dismissed or overlooked
• Navigate the confusion, long waits, and red tape of emergency care
• Understand your rights—and your role—in the healthcare system
• Advocate for yourself and loved ones with courage and confidence

With compassion, clarity, and candor, I show how trusting your instincts, speaking up, and taking action can save lives—including your own.