TRAUMA, NBC’s new hit drama, is a fictional EMS system set in a world class City, San Francisco.
Even before the first episode aired, many in the EMS community had already written it off. It’s TV, guys. If you want a show that really portrays what we do, watch Discovery Channel reruns of the Paramedics show.
This forum is to answer questions specific to the differences between what you see on TV and what really happens in the City. Drop me an email with your question and I’ll answer it. thehappymedic@gmail.com
Q: Do you have helicopters?
No, not like in the show. We have access to a number of aeromedical transport services, should they be needed, but the City is so dense, we would have difficulty landing a helicopter. And besides, I can reach a hospital by land faster than they can launch and arrive, road intact of course.
Q: Are all of your ambulances single Paramedic rigs?
Some are, some are not. Although having 2 Paramedics can be beneficial on some calls, most need only 1, if at all, so managers use that second Paramedic to staff another rig. Some are “Dual Medic” while others roll “One and One.”
Q: Don’t you have Paramedics on your Fire Engines?
We do. Remember, the show is about a fictional service, not trying to give a realistic depiction of the EMS delivery system in San Francisco. Staffing dependent, anywhere from 26-38 of the City’s 41 active Engine Companies are stocked and staffed by a licensed Paramedic. This role does not exist in the show.
Q: Are you guys really as busy as those Medics in the show?
Some of our Engines are the busiest in the Nation. Yes, many of our units are that busy and then some.
Q: I noticed that the cops depicted on Trauma are especially brutal and dishonest. Is this accurate? (example: “Nancy, I think this guy fell down the stairs resisting arrest, right?”)
I think it is safe to say the depiction of the law enforcement officers is as accurate as the depiction of the paramedics. I have heard tales from Paramedics all over the country of law enforcement using excessive force and trying to “cover it up” but far more common is a person in custody claiming abuse when none occured. I have personally never seen an SFPD Officer use anything but appropriate force when adressing a threat. Many of those times when defending me. So no, cops are not, by default, brutal and dishonest, but just like fire and EMS, each profession has it’s bad apples.
Do you have a question? thehappymedic@gmail.com
