For many of us who grew up watching Emergency! either during it's original run or in syndication, Paramedics Roy DeSoto and Johnny Gage represented all that was right and pure in EMS. They were the icons of a generation and led many into the world of EMS. But this is 2013, Emergency! debuted on January 15, 1972 and it's original run ended on September 3, 1977. Syndication stopped in the late 90's. Lucky for us though DVD's and America's love of nostalgia has allowed an entirely new generation of providers to enjoy the exploits of Squad 51.
Though I was not alive for the original run, growing up in a house with a Medic for a Mother and a Firefighter Father I was exposed to Emergency! at a very early age. I have "rediscovered" the show recently through streaming video on Netflix. As a Training Officer I look for the opportunity to learn through any avenue available. Recently I wondered... What could today's new generation provider learn from Johnny & Roy??
1. Always be prepared.....
Johnny and Roy were always shown checking every piece of equipment, cleaning there vehicle, even counting Band-Aids! With an ever increasing call volume and odd hours worked, many of us myself included often forget this simple principle. Caring for our equipment and insuring it is there when we need it is one of the best things we can do for our patients. If our batteries die, oxygen depletes, or a mechanical issue prevents us from responding what good have we do the patient?
2. Carry our equipment TO the patient.....
Lets' face it, equipment in 1972 was bulky, large and not ergonomically built. Yet every call there was Johnny and Roy carrying upwards of 6 large tackle boxes into whatever scene they were summoned to. In 10 years of EMS experience many providers I see or work with walk into a scene with nothing in there hands but a pen and there pockets. At the very least providers should be in the habit of carrying an o2 bag to every call and the cardiac monitor and a small ALS bag into every ALS level call. Too much can happen and/or change in a moment. For anyone who has ever had to run through a nursing home to the rig and back because that "Alerted Mental Status" call turned into a Code can attest to bringing equipment with you.
3. Be Involved...
In the made for TV pilot "The Wedsworth & Townsend Act" we meet young Johnny Gage who after a bad rescue scene decides to join the new Paramedic program. A central premise through many of the episodes during the series was Johnny & Roy getting involved in conversations with doctors and legislatures to further enhance and improve EMS while it was in its infancy. What do you as a provider do to get involved? Do you attend agency trainings and meetings? Attend interactive CME classes? Network with other EMS providers? Keep on top of the latest changes in Medicine and the legislation that affects EMS? Or do you prefer to sit in the recliner and complain to no one particular about how things can be "so much better". Change will only happen if we want it to happen, so get up and get involved!!
4. Be an advocate for your patient...
During many episodes and plot twists, Johnny and Roy would be on the BioPhone talking with Rampart and would often times push the envelope of what the "law" allowed and what they knew was right for the patient. Whether it was diverting to a more critically wounded patient or running the IV D5W TKO because they knew it was the right thing to do. Johnny and Roy set a great example of always acting in the patients best interest. Do you stand up for patient, maybe "stretch" a protocol knowing that your acting in the good faith of the patient. Or disagree with the nurse who tries putting the patient who just doesn't look right into Triage? We always be willing to act on behalf of our patient and there best interest, it's what makes EMS one of the most trusted professions in the country.
Johnny and Roy set the tone for the generation that came before us, but they still hold relevance in today's fast paced world. If you've never seen an episode I encourage you to try and find them online (Netflix, Hulu and I believe even NBC offers streaming episodes) or pick up a season on DVD and enjoy, they have a lot to teach....Plus it's a lot better than many of the other "EMS" drama producers have tried placing on TV in the past decades. I hope you've enjoyed this first blog writing, I have plans for many things coming up in the future. But until then stay safe and remember this job is supposed to be fun!!!
-M
