Star of Hit 1970s Show ‘Emergency!’ Discusses New Documentary on Paramedic Challenges Today on ‘Into the Unknown’ Podcast
There are about 13,500 paramedics working in California today. Back in 1971 there were only 13.
This is according to Randy Mantooth, who played affable L.A. paramedic Johnny Gage on the hit 1970s TV series, “Emergency!” The show was a sensation nationally and had real impact on the way emergency medical services would operate in the United States.
Today Mantooth continues this legacy as a producer, along with fellow producers Dr. Baxter Larmon, Assistant Fire Chief Steve P. Martin, and Tonya Mantooth, for “Into the Unknown: The Paramedic’s Journey,” a documentary that closely follows real paramedics on rescues and in their everyday lives. Jones & Bartlett Learning Public Safety Group is an industry sponsor for the project, which is scheduled for wide release in 2024.
In a new podcast, the producers discuss the innovative ways the film is portraying paramedics’ heroism and humanity, as well as the challenges they face today—including dealing with patient losses, extreme stress, PTSD, health and nutrition, the impact on their families, and more.