5 Things You Never Knew About Medical Drama ‘Emergency!’
Emergency! wasn’t just a hit show during its 1972 to 1977 run; it was a cultural force that helped redefine what it meant to be a first responder. Created by Robert A. Cinader and produced by Jack Webb of Dragnet fame, Emergency! followed paramedics Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto (played by Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe) from Squad 51, as they rushed into fires, accidents and medical crises across Los Angeles.
Even today, the impact of Emergency! can be seen in how EMS is portrayed on television and in real life. In honor of the beloved series, let’s learn some interesting facts about it:
1The paramedic profession gained popularity because of the show
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When Emergency! first aired in 1972, the idea of paramedics was still relatively new to the public. Emergency medical services were being tested in Los Angeles County at the time, and the show introduced the concept to millions of viewers each week. The creators worked closely with real professionals like James O. Page, considered the father of modern EMS, to keep it as realistic as possible.
Thanks to the show’s popularity, many cities across North America were inspired to create or expand their own EMS programs. Hospitals, fire departments, and government leaders began to recognize how critical trained paramedics could be.
2The lead actors got real paramedic training
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Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe didn’t just memorize medical jargon for their roles — they actually went through paramedic training. Although they didn’t end up getting certified, both men completed enough instruction that they would have qualified to take the exam for official paramedic status in Los Angeles County. Rescue scenarios on the show were often based on real-life logbooks from actual emergency calls, too.
3The show was a family affair
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One of the most surprising bits of trivia about Emergency! is how interconnected the cast and crew really were. Julie London, who played nurse Dixie McCall, was married to Bobby Troup, who portrayed Dr. Joe Early. Both were hired by Julie’s ex-husband Jack Webb, who also happened to be the show’s producer.
In addition, Mantooth and Tighe became best friends during filming and have remained close for decades. Tighe even served as Mantooth’s best man at his wedding in 2002.
4The real fire station became a historical landmark
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The fire station featured as Station 51 in the series wasn’t on a soundstage; it was an actual Los Angeles County Fire Station. Located in Carson, California, Fire Station 127 was chosen because of its south-facing orientation, which made it easier to film in natural light. Today, it is officially named the Robert A. Cinader Memorial Fire Station in honor of the show’s executive producer. The actual vehicles used in the show, Squad 51 and Engine 51, have been preserved and are now on display at the Los Angeles County Fire Museum.
5Emergency! inspired real-life rescues
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Many fans of the show actually learned life-saving techniques and used them in real-world situations — there were documented reports of people saving others using CPR or other emergency responses they saw demonstrated on TV. That influence even prompted the producers to add disclaimers reminding viewers not to attempt medical procedures without proper training.
Now tell us in the comments, who was your favorite character in the series?
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