Emergency!

The creme of Jack Webb action series ran 6 seasons from 1972-1979, inspired by CA legislation signed by Then-Gov. Ronald Reagan on July 14, 1970. The new law paved the way for creation of firefighter paramedic programs all over California. This series showcases the Los Angeles model and the emerging specialty of Emergency Hospital Medicine. In Los Angeles, firefighters train to certify as FF/PM, employed through the L.A. County Fire Department. The newly-built Station 51 has one full-size Engine and a smaller rescue squad truck which carries state of the art equipment used by the FF/PMs. This includes a mobile radio and portable EKG machine which allows them contact and transmit information to and from the field to ER specialists at hospitals like Rampart General. There are spectacular rescues and more mundane runs; prompt treatment in the field by FF/PMs keeps a large number of patients alive long enough to reach a hospital. At Rampart, teams of skilled professionals provide appropriate medical care to the patients transported by Squad 51 and other FF/PMs. A close friendship evolves between the Squad 51 FF/PMs and the Rampart emergency team. The FF/PM mantra: "take it easy" is born. —LA-Lawyer