Current ProjectsUSAR-1 | Make-A-Wish | Project 51 | Scheduled Appearances "Emergency!" Changes America's Concept of Emergency Medical Services ForeverWhen firefighters/paramedics John Gage and Roy Desoto arrived in America's living rooms every Saturday night, the face of emergency medical services (EMS) changed forever.In the early 1970's, for the first time, highly trained personnel-paramedics-responding in an "emergency room on wheels," took directions via radio from medical personnel back at the hospital as they worked to stabilize injured, ill and dying patients before transport to a medical facility. Before the TV series, most Americans were unaware of this new concept that was sputtering to a start across the nation. Project 51, a non-profit California public benefit corporation, was formed to share with the public the history of Emergency Medical Services in the United States and the vital role that the television series "Emergency!" played in creating a demand for on-site medical treatment. The objective of Project 51 is to promote public awareness of the 30th Anniversary of Emergency Medical Services in North America and to document how an emergency room on wheels, manned by paramedics, changed the face of healthcare forever. Project 51 worked toward this objective by sponsoring a national tour during the year 2000. Randolph Mantooth volunteered his time for this project and traveled across the country making personal appearances to promote Emergency Medical Services. The tour also featured the completely restored Squad 51, and the original medical equipment and wardrobe used on "Emergency!" Monies raised through the sales of merchandise and memorabilia will be donated to benefit fire service charities. The highlight of the Project 51 tour was a stop at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in May, 2000 to officially launch Emergency Medical Services Week festivities. In recognition of Emergency!'s impact on the fire service history, the show's original artifacts donated by Universal Studios were inducted into the Smithsonian Museum of American History archive collections. Project 51 is a tribute to Emergency Medical Services personnel, as well as to the hundreds of thousands of lives that have been saved by these highly trained individuals. *Randolph Mantooth is a member of Project 51's Board of Directors.
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