How many of our viewers became EMTs, first responders or entered another medical field because of the television show Emergency!?
The series premiered on January 15, 1972, and followed Los Angeles County firefighter-paramedics Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto as they treated patients before rushing them to Rampart General Hospital. Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe starred as Johnny and Roy, while Julie London, Bobby Troup and Robert Fuller played the hospital staff.
When Emergency! premiered, North America reportedly had only 12 paramedic units. Just four years later, about half of Americans lived within 10 minutes of paramedic care. The show introduced millions of viewers to defibrillation, intravenous medication and radio contact with emergency-room doctors, helping the public understand and support modern emergency medical services.
The series ran for six seasons and produced 122 episodes, followed by six television movies. Station 51 was played by the real Los Angeles County Fire Station 127, and the original Squad 51 remains preserved today.
National EMT and Paramedic Appreciation Day is observed on April 15, while National EMS Week is held each May. Chime in and let us honor you! Tell us where you serve, and feel free to brag about your station, department or hospital.