It was 3 am on a snow-covered night. We had just got a brief moment to sleep after running all evening with accidents from the newly formed icy weather. We were dead tired and almost drowsing off when suddenly, the alarm blared for another call - a car accident with entrapment in the county. Jason Howard's journey as a paramedic personifies his strength and resilience. In a profession where one is recognized as a hero, the challenges and sacrifices that unfold behind the scenes to maintain that heroic perception often go unnoticed. I Smoked a Dead Man's Cigarette is Howard's story, revealing his passion for helping people, and highlighting the struggles in this profession. From personal issues brought on by multiple unexpected emergency calls to the psychological strain, remorse, PTSD, detachment, and various other struggles, I Smoked a Dead Man's Cigarette is a testament to Jason's bravery, his steadfast spirit and his refusal to give up in the face of challenges. Howard's story shed's a bright light on the lives of emergency responders who often go unnoticed or unappreciated for their sacrifices and selfless efforts. Through the highs and lows encountered in the line of work, Jason learned priceless lessons including the power of the community as a whole
