Rescue 77

This is the best television series featuring EMS/Paramedics since "Emergency" in the early 1970s. There is undoubtedly someone behind the scenes who has a working knowledge of Paramedicine, and the day-to-day hazards of the job. Moreover, this understanding comes across the screen as a story that is believeable. Statements in the pilot episode: "It's a dead end job for kids", and "we've been around for thirty years, but are still not recognized in the halls" could only have been written by someone who has been in the profession themselves. Better-than-average acting, dead-on plot situations, and good story lines (a little grandiose at times) make this a great show. An "8" on my 1-10 scale.

I remember being a big TV fan of the 1972-77 show, "Emergency," with the crew of Los Angeles County Fire Dept Station 51 and Rampart Hospital. "Rescue 77" is the next generation of that classic TV series. This new TV show depicts a modern-day Fire Dept station equip with the latest technology and three young, enthusiastic paramedic team doing heart-pounding rescue stunts and saving lives. A long time ago, I had a thought that someday a Producer will create a TV series after "Emergency." And WAH-LA...here it is...."Rescue 77." In fact, I like the idea to see a female crew member in the Fire Dept for a change especially if she's outgoing, cute blonde with a deep voice.

This show was one of the lamest attempts I have ever seen of a show depicting today's Emergency Medical Service. Even "Emergency!" in its 30+ years of existance still shows some type of realism of patient care, even though the service was still in its infancy back then. R77 is one of those shows that could have been, but never should have!

Spelling productions, shame on you! "Rescue 77" was an absolute insult to all in the EMS community! Thank God, "Emergency" is being run on multiple affiliates to show people what a "real" show on Fire/EMS is about other than("Rescue 77's")pathetic compilation of boring, exaggerated stories which show complete disregard for the truth about prehospital medicine and the personnel who administer it. A paramedic doing a handstand on a defibrillator with a patient in water and in an explosive environment?!? Come ON! Did anyone there ever consult a technical advisor? "Rescue 77" always seemed to see how far they could push the limits with all of their calls, with paramedics mouthing off to online medical control, and performing "heroic", incorrect procedures in the field. Did you guys(at Spelling) ever set foot in an ambulance, or what? I don't think so, and neither do thousands of others who work or have worked in Fire/EMS. At least "Emergency" always strived to show patient care, etc. being done with honesty, realism, and respect. So, THANK YOU, to Johnny & Roy...for giving much-deserved dignity for an honorable profession that Spelling productions clearly had zero concern for. By now, I hope "77" has met its "86"!

Rescue 77, in my opinion, sets itself way below the past show "L.A. Firefighter". The show is too dramatic and too flakie. And, please, do not relate "Rescue 77" with the past show "Emergency". Emergency was more to life of what real paramedics did for a living. To make "Rescue 77" more real to life, have the entire production crew sit down and watch a few shows of "Emergency". And cut out all that argueing with the e.r. doctor. That setting just doesn't cut it in the real world. But, if you're not going to take this drama from the real world, then why have the program? In all, if your going to portray the life and times of the paramedics of the fire department, then get real profesional help. Go to a fire department in L.A. and ride with them. Watch what they do and follow their actions. Keep the Hollywood out of it. No, I am not a paramedic. However, I am a firefighter/e.m.t. And you are making us all look like fools.