All language subtitles for Emergency S01E00 The Wedsworth-Townsend Act.DVDRip.HI.en.UNVSL

[alarms blaring]

(man on PA system) Engine 10,
Truck 10, Engine 210, Squad 10,

Engine 53, Engine
101, Battalion 14.

Factory fire, 225 East Crocker.

225 East Crocker.

Cross street: Fifth.
Time out: 01:10.

[engine starting]

[sirens blaring]

[sirens blaring]

LA Battalion 14.

We have a large industrial
building, fully involved.

Fire through the roof.
Send me a third alarm.

(man on radio) Engine 128.
Battalion 14. What is your E.T.A.?

10-4, 128.52 is setting
up in front of the building.

Lay in a couple of
two-and-a-halfs off of him

and bring them to the
back of the building.

I want your people to
make entry with handlines.

Engine 128.10-4.

Engine 36, set up a monitor
at the south loading dock.

(man on radio) Engine 36, 10-4.

Engine 127. Battalion 14.

Take the steamer hydrant
at Fifth and Crocker.

Lay a three-and-a-half
down the driveway

to the southwest
corner of the fire.

(man on radio)
10-4, Battalion 14.

[chattering over radio]

Engine 210. Battalion
14. Pump engine 10's

three-and-a-half
from the hydrant.

(Chief on radio) You'll be
supplying Truck 10 with a 750 nozzle.

(man on radio) Engine 210.10-4.

(Chief on radio) LA Battalion
14. Respond to Unit 14

Going to air bottles.

(man on radio)
10-4, Battalion 14.

We could use any
information for the burns.

We're getting quite a few calls.

Hang in there, L.A.

[chattering]

We'll call you as
soon as we can.

[coughing]

L.A. Battalion 14. This
fire is under control.

Station 10 will be
out about two hours.

Engines 95, 36, 54, and
Squad 6 available at scene.

Return other units.

Gage?

Yes, sir.

That special training program,

remember, we were talking
about a couple of days ago?

Yes, sir, the para...
something or other.

Paramedics. The first
class just finished last week.

That's good.

I'm supposed to encourage
all our young rescue personnel

to volunteer for the next class.

Yes, sir. Well, I guess
I'm just too stupid

to take advantage of
such an opportunity.

I know it's work.
No raise in pay,

but it just might be worthwhile.

Yes, sir, it might
be if I wanted to be

an ambulance
attendant, but I don't.

Chief, I'm a rescue man.

I trained to be a rescue man,
and I like being a rescue man.

Now, why should I die
from improvements?

I give up. Why should you?

[alarm blaring]

(man on PA system)
Squad 10. Truck 127.

Possible high-voltage
electrocution.

13270 Flower. 13270 Flower.

Cross street: Third.
Time out: 07:51.

You like being a rescue man.

[truck engine starting]

[siren blaring]

[siren blaring]

[siren stops]

Tony, get an ambulance out
here, and tell 'em to push it.

L.A. Squad 10.

Get that power turned off.

Crew down at pole 12 right now.

Pete was switching over a 220.

Let me take a look at that arm.

[siren wailing]

[siren stops]

[John whistling]

Power's cut!

(John) two, three, four, pump!

Pump.

One, two, three, four, pump!

Thanks.

How's he doing?
Oh, my God, his wife.

Somebody ought to call his wife.

Tell his family
Rampart Emergency.

Okay, let's go.

[siren wailing]

This won't hurt, son.
Open your mouth.

That's a good boy.

He'll be all right now.

Keep the loose change out
of reach for another year or so.

Oh, thank you, Doctor.
Can I take him home now?

We'll x-ray him to be sure

there's nothing else down there.

Okay. Come on.

Double or nothing, Doctor?

You're talking
about my fee, Doctor.

Cardiac arrest.
Electrocution. On its way in.

Set up in 3.

Done.

[siren wailing]

In here.

Dr. Brackett!

[beeping]

(Brackett) Give me a reading.

400 watt-seconds.

[thudding]

[buzzing]

[thudding]

He's getting away
from us. Epinephrine.

We almost had him back.

Damn it, we almost had him back.

If he could've
been defibrillated

the moment they
pulled him off the wire...

Sure, somebody
should have been there

with a machine in their pocket.

Not "somebody."

[sighing]

The paramedics again?

Call them "paramedics"
or "rescue team,"

that doesn't matter.

Kell, if somebody with
the right equipment

and trained to use it,

had gotten to this man
in time, he'd be alive now.

Yes, Doctor.

I don't have to be a
doctor to know that.

Kell, am I wrong?

Just tell me that. A-Am I wrong?

No, you're probably right.
But I won't use this situation

to justify sending amateurs out

to practice medicine
on the street.

Trained amateurs!

Trained by you,
and doctors like you!

Amateurs, Dixie.

I spent 12 years in
school and residency,

and I'm still learning my trade.

Doc, how is...

Sorry.

But I was sure we
got him here alive.

Oh?

And what caused
you to think that?

The vital signs?
Spontaneous respiration?

Pupils' reaction to light?

What were the readings?
How much alive?

I just felt...

Amateurs.

He was alive.

Maybe he was.

But the best doctor I know
just walked out of here,

and he couldn't
keep your man alive.

Yeah. I thought doctors
weren't supposed

to take these things so hard.

Dr. Brackett is a sore loser.

The lineman's wife and daughter.

He didn't make it.

"Rescue," hell.

All we rescued was a corpse.

This application isn't signed.

I wanted to talk to you first.

Sure, what do you wanna know?

You went through
that first class

of special medical
training, right? Right.

If you rolled on a
rescue call now, today,

could you use that training
to treat a victim on the scene?

No.

Then why should I or
anybody else spend 12 weeks,

or 12 minutes, learning
to do what we can't do?

Because you said "today."

There's a bill before the
State Legislature right now,

Assembly Bill P.M. 11307,

which would permit qualified
fire department personnel

to administer medical
assistance in the field.

If it's passed.

You asked a few questions

before you came
in here, didn't you?

I want to find out if
it's a job or just a title.

It's a job, all right.

It's going to be the
most important advance

in emergency medicine
in the last 50 years.

Going to be?

Well, maybe you
just better hang on

to that application till it is.

That'll be too late.
We're already late.

Gage, there are
over 6.5 million people

in L.A. County right now

and not nearly enough
doctors to handle them

even under normal conditions.

When you get into
emergency situations,

freeway accidents, drownings,
heart attacks, 1,000 others,

people are dying at the scene.

People who could stay alive

if there was somebody on
the spot who knew what to do.

But they won't let you function.

They will. They'll have to.

Look, if that bill passes
in the Legislature today,

do you know how many people
we'd have ready for the job?

Just me, and five other guys
who took the training course.

Six men for 6.5 million people.

Now, we can't wait
for the go-ahead

and then train our people.

If there's one
chance in a million,

that bill will pass,
we have to be ready.

Use your pen?

According to this
x-ray, this young man,

who scored his high school's
winning touchdown yesterday,

has been dead for a week.

Doesn't that stupid secretary
look at her boss' stuff

before sending it to us?

Most likely it got
splattered with the chemical

after she saw it.

Kell, you want to
spend the whole day

biting and kicking my
nurses and attendants,

or would you like to
take one good sock at me

and get it over with?

No charades, please.

You saw the bulletin
board this morning.

In a weak moment.
What's waiting?

Dr. Lusan is sewing
a motorcycle accident.

You're clear for now.

Come on, I'll buy
you a cheap lunch.

All right, but I'm
gonna talk about it.

I told the County committee
that we could train those men

because I do believe in
it. And I want it done right.

Harbor General didn't complain

about training the first
class. Let them go there.

Another class
will be going there.

We need more, Kell,
not just more of the same.

Great. Let the faithful
gather together.

But I'm not one of them.

Dix, you know I'm
against the whole program.

Yes, but I also know you
won't dog it because of that.

I don't know what
I'd do without you.

But it's an idea.

I'm serious, Kell.

All right, then I'll be.

You knew I was against
this, but you pushed it anyway.

I don't wanna knock women's
lib, but I thought I had the right

to expect a little
garden-variety loyalty from you.

Or am I wrong?

Don't put it like that.

I'm putting it like it is.

We're being serious, remember?

The program is important.

And my feelings aren't?

Eat your sandwich.

I'm not hungry.

Well, eat it anyway.
You're getting skinny.

If the bone breaks skin,

you'll also have to concern
yourself with infection.

Example:

A shot of penicillin.

Yes, that'll stop infection

and possibly kill someone
who's allergic to penicillin.

Be certain to maintain
sterile conditions at all times,

and let the doctor make the
decision upon arrival. Got it?

No. I know we call it stabbing,

but that's supposed
to be a joke.

Roy, show him how
the Army does it.

Relax the arm, pal.

It's sterile water, not heroin.

(Brackett) All right, after we put
the electrode cream on the paddles

we place one paddle
on the right chest,

the other on the apex of
the heart. When we zap them,

it sends an electrical
charge through the heart.

And this, my firemen friends,
is the cardiac defibrillator.

It is the one thing that can

possibly save the
life of a V-Fib patient.

Without it, death is certain.

It should be employed
in extreme emergencies.

If and when you
receive certification,

you'll be permitted
to use this equipment.

It can be dangerous, so just
remember it's not an aspirin.

Eyes on the defib
tester, gentlemen.

McCall and Brackett, the
good but taciturn doctor.

Give me a reading.

Dixie spent some time in Korea.

Field hospital,
in the thick of it.

I understand she bought
the unit citation. Quite a girl.

Which accounts for her
understanding attitude.

She's rubbed elbows
with corpsmen, medics.

That's how it would seem.

Dr. Kelly Brackett, Johns
Hopkins, residency at Mayo.

Medical jack of all
trades, master of all.

Including gloom.

You learning anything
the second time around?

That I'm not a moron.

The first time, I didn't
even understand the words.

I'll drink to that.

Listen, I'm lucky. If
that bill had passed,

I'd be doing these
things to nice people

instead of you guys.

Let's go, Junior.

The hip bone is indeed

connected to the
thigh bone, etc, etc.

The human body also has muscles.

So, if the patient
complains it hurts here,

it's also wise to look
here, and here, and here.

Dr. Brackett?

All right, gentlemen, up to now

things have been fairly general.

Monday morning we'll
really get down to business.

Oh! Have a nice weekend.

[trainees chattering]

Deltoid, trapezoid, what...

Don't worry about it, pal.

Just give it a little bit
of time, it'll get harder.

You know, for an old maid,
you make a terrific martini.

How would you
know, Sporting Life?

All right, lady.

Suppose you settle
back and defend yourself?

Kell.

Hmm?

It hasn't been so bad, has it?

I take it we're
no longer talking

about your dubious charms.

No, Dix, it hasn't been bad.

They're a nice
bunch of young men.

But?

The practice of medicine
is not like the Peace Corps.

Good intentions are not enough.

The AMA thinks the
program deserves a chance.

Well, the hose jockeys will
get their chance, all right.

They'll save a dozen people

and then one of them,

just one will kill the
13th out of ignorance.

And you'll see the biggest,

most publicized malpractice
suit you've ever seen.

And that'll be the end of it.

That's not fair.

The only doctors who
never make mistakes

are those who don't try to heal.

You want justice?
Find another planet.

I want you to
believe it can happen.

To want it to happen.

What I want and what I
believe don't always go together.

I'll give you this, though:

I want those trainees
to have their best shot.

Even if it means bloodshot eyes

for me and the
rest of the staff.

Not because I think they
have a chance. I don't.

But they're sincere,
they're bright enough

to know what they're
doing is inadequate.

And they're
working their tails off

without getting an extra
dime or a pat on the back.

I love you.

Dix.

Mmm-hmm?

You're spilling your
martini on my shoulder.

You're not only a
liar, you're hopeless.

[chuckling]

You look worried.

I am.

Congratulations, gentleman.

Like the fellow said,
that's half the battle.

Changing the law
is the other half.

We have a man with us today

who's been working
overtime to do just that.

A good friend of the
paramedical program,

State Assemblyman Mike Wolski.

I'm gonna save my speech-making
for people who need it.

You men have proven
you don't. Thank you.

You gonna be with us
for the next class, Roy?

No, Chief said I was
getting overtrained

and need a little field duty.

Out of where? 51. It's
a brand new station.

Play your cards right, I'll
let you team up with me.

He needs me. Pardon me.

I wonder if I might
talk to you for a minute.

Sure, go ahead.

Sorry I didn't get
here early enough

to talk to you before
this, what, graduation?

"Exercise" is a good word.

Well, anyway, you've
done one fine job.

That remains to
be seen, doesn't it?

Exactly. That's why I wanna
ask you to help us follow through.

In what way?

Well, you know about the
paramedic bill that's now in committee.

Passage of that bill would
turn these guys loose.

I'm gonna give it one hard push.

Of course, I'm a
politician, I'm not a doctor.

I need support from experts.

There's a lot of doctors
for the program, I heard.

Not too many with your
reputation in emergency medicine

and not many who worked
this closely with these men.

These people were
assigned here, Mr. Wolski.

I didn't ask for the job.

That smells like you
have reservations.

Not with the men,
with the program.

So you wouldn't be interested
in testifying before the committee

on the merits of the bill.

In just those words.

Now don't get me wrong, Wolski.

I'm a sucker for
underdogs and lost causes,

but only when I believe in them.

That's not the case here.

Okay, Doctor, fine. Do
me one favor, though:

Don't testify against us.

There it is.

Same squad, but
with a difference.

That being the right
front compartment.

It's locked.

Good boy. Here's yours.

Try your key.

Impressive!

Datascope
electrocardiograph unit?

I didn't know they
came this portable.

$1,000 worth of portability.

Does it have a lead selector?

We can look at and
send a full 12-lead EKG.

Here's the nerve-center, this
orange box. 2-way UHF radio

links us up with a doctor at the
hospital with voice and EKG telemetry.

This unit, like all our
hardware, is battery-powered.

You and I recharge
them start of shift,

gives us two hours talking time.

This blue box here is
the cardiac defibrillator

similar to the one
the good Dr. Brackett

demonstrated with
your capable assistance.

I remember: it's no aspirin.

Good boy.

This black job
here, the drugstore.

Pain killers,
pre-loaded syringes

with drugs to stabilize
the heart rhythm.

IV solutions.

In all, we carry an
$8,000 inventory.

Kind of makes this wagon a
prime target for addicts, doesn't it?

Not so. We only carry a small
amount of pain-killing drugs.

Not worth anyone's time.

We pick up the refills from
the hospital after each run.

We have to account
for each milligram.

And the small one here?

For the biggest job:

bringing in new
life. The OB kit.

Very fine. Now all we have to do

is get a license
to use all this gear.

Meanwhile, we're just a regular

rolling arsenal against death.

[alarm buzzing]

(man on PA system) Squad
51, traffic accident with injuries,

Sixth and Kenmore.

Sixth and Kenmore.

Time out: 11:25.

Squad 51.10-4.

[siren wailing]

Sixth and Kenmore.
That's over near 10's.

Hang a left, I know a shortcut.

I know a better one.

We swing right to
Rampart Emergency.

What for?

Get a nurse on board.

You forgot: we're
the impotent wonders.

(Dixie) Bring the kit.

You'll be okay, young man.

Do you hurt anyplace?
Are you in any pain?

She busted her head
on the windshield.

BP cuff.

Set up the link with Base.

Rampart, this is Rescue 51.

Rampart, this is Rescue 5-1.

Go ahead, 51.

We have a female patient,
approximately 18 years

involved in traffic accident.

Laceration right
forehead, minor bleeding.

Patient appears to be in shock.

Vital signs: 100 over 70.

Rate: 120 and thready.

Respiration: 12.

Eyes equal and reactive.

No apparent fractures.

Start IV with D5 and
half normal saline.

Keep me advised of patient's BP.

Go ahead and transport.

10-4.

IV, D5, and saline. I'll get it.

That's right, and
give it to the nurse.

Hold it.

You're authorized to use these.

Take it easy, you're doing fine.

Hey, Fireman.

You guys aren't doing anything.

Want to give me a
hand with the traffic?

Dr. Brackett?

Mr. Clark, Miss McCall.

Nice to meet you, Miss McCall.

You make yourself
right at home, Doctor.

If you have any questions,
I'll be in my office.

Is that March date still
firm for your convention?

Well, the board meets next week.

You'll get the word by
close of business Tuesday.

Very fine. Thank you.

Oh, thank you.

What do you think, Dix?

This handle 5,000
interested delegates?

And an equal number
of stethoscope salesmen.

It's roomy.

Dinner was elegant.

Careful. That plum wine
can sneak up on you.

I understand it's good
for the nervous system.

Who told you that?

I don't remember, but my
nervous system feels great.

Doesn't look bad, either.

How does an old maid know

when a confirmed bachelor
is telling her the truth?

Easy. I didn't ask you
to do my laundry first.

I wasn't asking you
"the" question, hotshot.

Don't know why
not. I'm a good catch.

I'm not a good catcher.

Maybe not.

But I bet you've
been asked, Dix.

More than once.

More than twice.

Where did they go wrong?

Oh, wanted me to quit nursing
when I was first starting out.

Another time around, I
refused to rule out children.

Then there was
a gentleman caller

who wanted me to share
his name, and his mother.

Come on, let me take
you away from all this.

How did you collaborate
on your loneliness?

Hid behind my work.

"Never had time,"
is what I said.

Never took time, is what I did.

Well, you got what you wanted.

Hey, that's heavy.

I get the feeling we've
suddenly gone sideways.

Mike Wolski told me you won't
endorse the bill for the program.

A politician who tells
the truth is refreshing.

If that bill doesn't pass,

everything we've done with those

fire department
trainees will go to waste.

Don't lead me down
any garden paths, Dix.

First you say, "give
them a chance",

now it's: "Don't waste the
chance you gave them."

You know I never
was for the program.

I'm still not.

I know you never
believed in the project, Kell.

I just never understood why.

Because it's a
dangerous compromise.

We're short of doctors, sure,
especially for emergency work.

Then let's have a crash program

to train more doctors,
not first-aid men.

We should do that,
too. But right now,

we can't afford
the 10 or 12 years

for such a rush
program to pay off.

It could be accelerated.

Dix, we can't short-change
the public on medical care.

Not at the risk of
the public's lives.

We're not talking
about good or bad.

We're talking
about some or none.

What about all
the doctors hiring

medical corpsmen
returning from Vietnam

to help them in
private practice?

Here we go again.

Tell me about the war, Mother.

No wonder you never got married.

Now where did that come from?

You're wrong, Kell.

About the training
program, or marriage?

I don't feel like
kidding about it.

What do you feel like?

Going home.

No wonder you never got married.

I always get the idea we
still have that team of horses

galloping down the street

pulling that tank of hot water.

But things've changed around
the firehouse since my day.

You in the fire
service, Mr. Wolski?

My dad.

San Francisco Hook and Ladder.

Retired five years ago.

You people still set up light
housekeeping, don't you?

We live here at the station, 24
hours a day, when we're on duty.

We take turns doing the
cooking and the dishes.

Fine lunch, young man.

Yes, sir. We don't need an act
of Congress to practice cooking.

Morale is so low.

If we don't get
some action soon,

the way things are going, we
might not get enough new volunteers

to continue the
training program.

I know, I know.

Then you should also know

that some men who have taken
the training are thinking of quitting.

Our chef for the day, for one.

They got to be
held together, Roy.

We're close enough for that.

We're running out of dumb
answers to their smart questions.

There are places where they can

put their training
into good use.

Doctors in private
practice are beginning

to hire men with
their qualifications

and at more money.

That was bound to happen.

Roy, if we dump that bill on
the Assembly floor too soon,

before we know we
have a fighting chance

and we get voted down now,

we might have to
wait another year

for the second round.

What's the key hang-up?

I'll give you a beauty:

One of the doctors
who helped train our men

won't come out in
support of the program.

Dr. Kell Brackett.

[siren wailing]

(patient) First I thought
it was my appendix.

I still have it, you know.

Then I remembered, I had
dinner at a friend's house

and they served
canned vegetables.

You know this stuff going
around about canned foods.

Botulism, right? Well, no
question in my mind, Doctor,

I got botulism.

Ever had an ulcer?

Ulcer? Me? No.

What do you do for a living?

I'm a screenwriter. Why?

No, I don't have an ulcer, Doc.

I watch what I eat, you know?

Only organic food,
not too much meat.

Except for times when I
go to a friend's for dinner,

and I can't control what...

You've got an ulcer. I do?

You rolled up at 2:37, right?

Right. When I got there,
it had already gone down.

Just the two gunshot
victims. No eyeball witnesses.

And he couldn't
say who started it?

You've got all we've got.

Nurse, where are
Andrews and Smith?

Both in bad shape.
Andrews in 1, Smith's in 3.

He's pretty far gone.

You'll be lucky to get
a dying declaration.

Thanks, Miss.

Reed, Malloy. Right, Sergeant.

Uh, Dix, what do you
hear from the good doctor?

Whatever he wants to tell me.

What about what
you want to hear?

How would you know
what I want to hear?

I'm a trained observer.

Maybe a little over-trained.

Besides, as a bachelor, I have
a right to know who's available.

Available or vulnerable?

Sorry, Dix.

Sure, Pete.

I was just practicing some
self-pity for my old age.

If you believe I mean it as a
friend and not as a circling vulture,

suppose I buy you a plate
of spaghetti some night?

Conned you out
of a free meal, huh?

As everyone knows,
totally generous.

Thanks, guys. And you keep
circling, it's good for my morale.

He will.

"He will."

Smith, the fellow you
shot it out with is dying.

He's in the next room.

Now, who started shooting first?

Put her in 5.

Severed right
arm. Boat accident.

Seventeen years old.

Where did you put her?

5.

"Missing limb not located."

Happened 30 minutes ago.

Tissue deterioration,
artery rupture.

It's too late, Kell.

Maybe.

Worth a try. Get that arm.

20 minutes. Any
later, forget it.

Cross match and
type for 10 units.

Get a parental consent
form signed right away.

Get Joe Early in here.

X-rays, full set.
Get her to surgery.

Emerson Boatyard.
How close is that?

What's the difference?
We'll make it closer.

You are kidding, aren't you?

We can get it
back on, all right,

but it'll be about as useful
as a steer on a sheep ranch.

Nerves are
peculiar things, Kell.

You cut them, and they have a
funny way of not joining up again.

You said the same thing about
that truck driver that lost his leg.

Now he's running
the 100-yard dash.

The leg wasn't
completely severed,

you know that. It
won't work, Kell.

That doesn't sound like the
finest neurosurgeon in town.

The finest neurosurgeon in
town is telling you it won't work.

Get Langford for bones,
Wilson for vascular.

Tell them now. That'll do it.

You do plan on
anesthesia, I assume?

Better get Charlie Evans.

He's as crazy as I am.

You won't have to
look for a scrub nurse.

I'm crazy, too.

[siren wailing]

Yes, sir, I manage the yard.

Where did the accident occur?

Right here, the sedan cruiser.

I still can't believe it.

The girl, fine young artist,

she was painting
the name on the stern.

Leon, he's our mechanic,
just replaced the starter,

kicked it in to check it
out, engines were in gear.

Terrible thing.

Has the boat been
moved since the accident?

No, sir, I haven't
touched a thing.

There are her paint and
brushes, just as they were.

Which way do the screws rotate?

Outboard. She was
hit by the port screw.

Figuring that one spins
counter-clockwise...

Sterile sheet, saline
solution, on the double!

Dr. Early? A little
problem here.

This lady here...

Let me tell it, and I don't
want to keep talking about it.

I want some help!

My husband came home
at noon today and painted it.

I was out to the market.

So how am I to know he'd
pick today to do the job?

And now I'm stuck
to it. The dumb sap.

The toilet seat.

He used epoxy, a
fast-drying enamel.

If my next-door neighbor
hadn't heard me, I'd still be there.

Any suggestions?

Try Maintenance.
There must be a solvent.

Dumb sap!

[siren wailing]

[cardiograph beeping]

(Brackett) Tie.

Cut.

Sponge.

Clamp.

Cut. Stick tie. Suture.

5/0, cardiovascular.

I thought you wanted a 6/0.

No, make it 5.

Clamp.

Clamp.

Sponge.

Sponge.

Give me a pair of thumb forceps.

Clamp. Sponge
that, so I can see.

Watch that brachial plexus.

I know. I have my own
troubles with the artery.

Clamp.

Stick tie.

Cut. Sponge. Stick tie.

Well, her arm may not
function as well as it used to,

but at least it'll be her own.

Your getting it here as fast
as you did made the difference.

We're handy to have around, Doc.

You ought to give us a try.

We've got a real challenge in 4.

All right, tell me that
wasn't necessary.

For you or for him?

I don't know,

sounds to me like you
might be switching sides.

No, but I'm beginning
to choose up.

(man on radio) Squad
51, what's your status?

Squad 51. Available.

10-4, Squad 51.

How's your animal
medicine, Doctor? Sick dog?

No, remember I said "challenge."

I'd diagnose it as more
of a plumbing problem.

You're about to say hello to the
world's smallest sousaphone player.

Both of them.

Well, you were right.

Missed that dying
declaration by a minute or two.

Smith just checked out.
Didn't leave anything behind.

I'm sorry. So am I.

We lost the other
one, too. Andrews?

I don't know,

I guess you could write
it up as 6-2 and even.

Doesn't really make much
difference who started it.

Here the why of it, Doctor.

A: A 3-week-old rabbit is stuck

somewhere in this
15-odd feet of tubing.

I'd say here, judging from
the warmth of the metal.

And if you listen real hard, you
can hear him scratching occasionally.

B: He won't shake
out. I've tried that.

C: We can't cut the horn.

It belongs to the school band.

These things cost
around $500. Right, Tim?

Fred's gonna die in there.

Any recommended procedure?

First off, young fellow,
he's not gonna die in there.

He's getting air. You
blow into it, don't you?

Maybe we should
blow in it right now.

Right, Tim.

Only, we'll add
a little chloroform.

If he won't shake out,
maybe he'll slide out

if he's relaxed
enough to take the ride.

"Presto!" might help.

Presto, Fred!

It's Fred!

You didn't put him
in there, did you, son?

No, sir. He just hopped in.

Well, you hop on home, and be careful
with Fred till he gets a little older.

How much do I owe you, Doctor?

Make it a quarter,
Tim. I work cheap.

Go on home, Tim.
Buy Fred a carrot.

I will. Thank you, thank you.

Tell me about the
rabbits, George.

You're too young.

You know, you're right.

I'm sorry about
the other night, Dix.

That makes two of us.

How's it going?

Let's show him, Helen.

Well, what do you know?

Joe Early still knows his way
around the nervous system.

How long?

Joe found it a half-hour ago.

I called her parents.

They're on their way over now.

Has the nurse told you
about our therapy program?

Yes, sir.

One of these days, Helen,
if you work hard, very hard,

you might forget
which arm you hurt.

Yes, sir. Thank you, Doctor.

You already did that.
Get some rest now.

I don't want to underrate
what you did, Kell,

but it is a miracle, isn't it?

God always has a choice.

But I think this time some
good emergency teamwork

helped him make up his mind.

Also reminded me why you're here

instead of a lot more
comfortable places you could be.

What did?

Your face, when she
moved her fingers.

Old sentimental sawbones, huh?

It was lovely.

Well, I always was a
sucker for happy endings.

Have to do some book work.

Kell, I just decided to have

a little wine and spaghetti
get-together at my place tomorrow night.

Will you come?

What's the occasion?

Somebody's birthday.

But he doesn't want
me to tell anybody.

Why? Is he too young or too old?

It's Johnny Gage.

But he doesn't want
any fuss or presents.

Are you sure he wants me there?

Don't be silly.
Am I being silly?

I want you there.

You'll be there?

Promise you won't
do any painting.

[guests chattering]

You first, it's your birthday.

I don't know if you're
interested in the way to his heart,

but you just saw the old road.

Don't tell me. I cook
with a can opener.

[chuckling]

Ready for a second, Chief?

I'm fine, thanks.

Oh, Dix, can we
hear the phone well?

I'm expecting a call
from Sacramento.

Are you asking a bachelor lady

if she can hear her own phone?

In a hurricane, believe me.

[knocking on door]

Joanne, would you?

Here, let me take it.
I need the exercise.

The plague just arrived.

Come on in.

♪ Here comes old Dr. Brackett ♪

♪ No matter your
ill, he can hack it ♪

♪ He'll peer in your ear
And look up your nose ♪

♪ No matter your
ill, he can hack it ♪♪

[all applauding]

Hey, you know, for a doctor,

he plays pretty bad.

Kell, I don't think
you've met Roy's wife.

Joanne De Soto, Dr. Brackett.

How do you do?

Have to count empty glasses.

Roy tells me you're the
magician of Rampart General.

From your expression
when Dixie introduced us,

I have a feeling he's
told you more than that.

Well, I don't see any horns and
tail, so he must've exaggerated.

But seriously, Doctor, I'm
kind of proud of my guy,

[phone ringing] of
what he wants to do.

I don't really understand why the
two of you aren't on the same side.

We are, in what we'd
like to accomplish.

It's just a question of method.

Mike, it's your Sacramento call.

Oh, thanks, Dixie.

Hi, Doc. I see you've
met my fan club.

Oh, that she is. Thanks.

Happy birthday, John
Gage, wherever you are.

Look for a lovely named Delores
and Johnny won't be far away.

Hello, good
Dr. Brackett. Dr. Joe.

What's the king of the
money-bunch-for-lunch doing here?

How is it you're not tending to
your private practice business?

The pay and hours
are a lot better

than the sacrifice
business, I promise you.

And where would you be if I didn't
generously donate my time and talent

to that medical
madhouse of yours?

Dr. Early, one of
my former interns.

Took a wrong turn somewhere
and became successful.

Had you for a bad
example, didn't I?

Well, now, uh, you the
entertainment director tonight?

If you mean, what
am I doing here,

I'm kind of the expert
for the other side.

What other side?

(Joe) Other side of
your side, I guess.

Hey, wait a minute.

It's friendly enemy
time, isn't it?

Well, it should be.

(Wolski) Hey, everybody, listen!

Hold it down a minute, will you?

I just heard from Sacramento.

The committee has
decided to hold open hearings

on Assembly Bill P.M. 11307.

If they like what they hear,
they'll send it to the floor for a vote.

[man whistling]

(Wolski) Okay! Okay!

It's not a win, but at
least we've got a shot.

Now we gotta get the muscle to
push that bill onto the Assembly floor.

We'll get it.

That we will, with a little
bit of luck, and a lot of help.

[people applauding]

I didn't believe it.
You did, but I didn't.

I was smarter than you.
Anyway, like the man said,

we just won a
round, not the fight.

(John) What the matter,
Doc? Disappointed?

Johnny.

All right, maybe my
party manners are lousy.

But it's a fair question.

As long as you're here, Doctor.

It's a fair question.

I think I've given you my
fair answer a number of times.

Congratulations, and good night.

Thanks, Dix.

Kell.

I don't want you to go.

When do you want me to leave?

After a pep talk from
the assemblyman?

So John Gage
stepped out of line.

Stop being so sensitive.

I am sensitive about it, Dix.

You all know what you want.

I'm the one who has the
doubts, and it's eating me up.

You're right, I am sensitive.

Can't we forget that for a
little while and enjoy the party?

It's not a party, it's a
meeting. Admit it, Dix.

You invited me here hoping I
could be persuaded to join the cause.

That not the only reason,

but it's a good one, yes.

What am I supposed to do,

just keep my hair neat
and dust the furniture?

Is that your idea of a woman?

My mistake.

I guess we really don't
understand each other at all.

Good night, Dix.

[siren wailing]

Broken railing.

LA Squad 51. At scene.

(man on radio) 10-4,
Squad 51. Time: 15:38.

LA Squad 51.

We have a vehicle
over the cliff.

At least one injury.

What's the ETA on the ambulance?

Squad 51, the ambulance, Engine
and Patrol 186 are responding.

ETA unknown.

Breathing.

Both legs broken.

Check vital signs.

Weak pulse.

[car creaking]

A fractured radius and ulna.

Probable concussion.

Let's get her out
of here, quick.

(Dixie) Yeah.

Climb out of there.
It's gonna go over.

You heard him, Dix.

We'll get her out of here.

It's half-done. Get
on the Link to Base.

The man's coming around,
he's gonna be in a lot of pain.

Why?

[car creaking]

[groaning]

[grunts]

Dixie!

The car must have
pivoted right around her.

Slow and weak.

Do what you can
for the other two.

Get me a BP cuff.

What shape are you in?

Both in acute pain.

What about Dixie?

A fast IV and some atropine.

Pump it up.

Give me a minute.

What are you doing?

Contacting Base.

What for? So they can
tell us we can't treat 'em?

No, so they know we're going to.

Rampart. Rescue 51.

Rampart. Rescue 5-1.

Come on, come on.

Go ahead, 51.

Doesn't he ever take a day off?

Vehicle over the cliff.

Three patients, one
male, two female.

Male victim approximately 45.

Compound fractures,
both legs. Acute pain.

First female, approximately 40.

Fractured radius
and ulna, right arm.

Probable concussion. Acute pain.

Vital signs:

Both stable. Both
need immediate IVs,

along with Talwin,
30 milligrams.

Third patient, female,
approximately 30.

Unconscious,
Probable concussion.

Deep shock.

Vital signs: 60
over 40. Rate: 30.

Respirations: 8 to 10.

Eyes unequal.

Needs fast IV and
one milligram atropine.

Tell the nurse
treatment confirmed.

I wish we could do that, Doc.

Dixie's the third victim.

What do you say, Doc?

I'll have a backup nurse
out there on the double.

We're 45 minutes away from Base.

Do what you can.

Immobilize those fractures.

Don't treat them.

These people are in
pain, and Dixie can't wait.

Don't treat them. A
nurse is on the way.

That's an order.

To hell with the orders.

Hi.

Don't ask, tell.

How would you like to see
a picture of your cranium?

I don't know. Would I?

You would.

By some miracle, there are
no cracks, no major contusions.

The atropine did its job, too.

So if you don't mind,

we'll save this expensive
bedside consultation

for someone who needs it.

I'd trade it for a
handful of aspirin.

I have a miserable headache.

You didn't expect
to get off scot-free

for playing The Perils
of Pauline, did you?

How are the other two?

Okay.

Man's doing fine, just
cleared the cast room.

But the woman had a
fragmented radius and ulna.

Good thing she was
sedated and immobilized.

And who did all those
proper medical procedures?

You did.

No one there except you
had the authority to treat her.

I see.

Thanks, Kell.

I'll send the aspirin in.

Oh, here. You might want
to order a dozen 8-by-10s.

Kell?

You're special.

No, I'm not.

But I'm glad you think so.

We were told you
wanted to see us.

Let me tell you a story, gentlemen,
about an automobile accident.

About three victims,
two female and one male,

and two firemen
with three months

of medical training
under their belts

with the best of intentions.

But two unauthorized men
treated those people out there.

We did the only thing we could.

Sure you did.

And what would you have done
if further complications had set in?

Diagnosed them on your own?

Flipped a coin?

Those people are all
right. We just saw them.

Yes, I know. I'm trying to tell
you what could've happened.

The two of you, the
fire dept., and the county

would've been sued to the hilt

and you'd have earned the
most destructive publicity possible

for your precious program.

It didn't happen that way.

No, but you were willing to roll the
dice and lose the whole ballgame!

And to prove it, you
shut down the Link.

Your fantasy might really have
happened if we'd done nothing.

You could've sat with them, on
them if necessary, until help came.

Authorized medical help.

We couldn't be sure that
there was time to wait.

Right. And do you
think a doctor like me

is sure about
everything he does?

The only sure doctor is a fool.

But we do our best without panic

or without getting
sentimental about a patient.

That's what a doctor is.

And that's what the
two of you are not.

We never pretended to be.

Maybe you don't like what we
did, Doctor, but it was our best.

Is that all?

Yes, that's all.

You did fine.

Welcome to the woodshed.

What did you do with
your razor strap, Dad?

That woman with
the busted fibula.

She's coming out of shock now.

She might've stayed there if it hadn't
been for those two 90-day Kildares.

I looked over Ferguson's
shoulder in the cast room.

The immobilization on that
guy with the broken legs.

Pete could've phoned it in.

No distal blood
problems, piece of cake.

And then there was Dixie.

I don't know, Kell.
Vasovagal syncope?

Dixie might be in a sliding
drawer in the cold room

if those two hose
jockeys hadn't known

what they were doing out there.

Call it their internship.

I know I thought I knew it all

when they handed me a diploma.

They made the same mistake about
that nameplate we pinned on them.

One thing's sure, isn't it?

The program really works.

(Wolski) We're asking
the State to spend

a lot of money for
training and equipment.

Not for everybody,
just for those

who eventually will need
emergency treatment.

That's very noble

but it doesn't translate
into a lot of votes.

(Brackett) Even though
it could be anybody

on the receiving
end of that treatment.

This is just one problem.

The Legislature has bushels
of problems, all waiting in line.

I couldn't have been the
only doctor you had in mind.

We got a gang of doctors.

Good men, good doctors.

But they don't have your
reputation in the field.

You're a heavyweight.

If you say so.

Man, if you don't know what
emergency medicine needs, who does?

Dr. Brackett, the committee
knows your reputation, too.

If you don't come out for us,

your silence will tell
them something, too.

Take me to your committee.

(chairman) Dr. Kelly Brackett,

Rampart Emergency
Hospital, Los Angeles

is with us, today.

I understand that
Dr. Brackett has some opinions

concerning the
bill now before us.

Dr. Brackett?

[clearing throat]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Gentlemen, you
are all in danger.

If an earthquake or a bomb
should hit this room right now,

I might be the only doctor
available to all of you.

Oh, sure, independently owned
ambulances with attendants

would be here in a few minutes.

And rescue units from
the Fire Department.

But all they could
do is carry you off

to where another
doctor is waiting.

I wonder if you
could all last that long.

Now, what about first aid?

Oh, sure, these men
are permitted to render

some elementary first aid,

like your mother did when
some kid bloodied your nose,

or your wife, when she pulled
a sliver out of your finger.

Have any of you seen a
freeway accident lately?

I mean, close-up, where you
can't tell the bodies from the steel?

Or have any of you had
a heart attack recently?

70% of all cardiac cases
never live long enough

to reach a hospital.

How do you think your
mother, or your wife,

or the good guy next
door would make out

under those conditions?

Well, those are the
conditions we're talking about.

Now, I've given
you the impression

that I'm in favor of
Fire Dept. personnel

with a crash course
in emergency medicine

taking human lives
into their own hands.

I am not.

I'd like to see a specialist
handling every bloody nose

so he'd know whether
it was the result

of a good right
cross or a tumor.

I'd like to see a
cardiologist on the scene

anytime someone
drops on the street

with a killing
pain in his chest.

But you can't ask
someone not to die

while you're trying to find
out what's wrong with him.

And they do die, gentlemen.

On the way from where
it happens to my hospital.

They die by the
hundreds every year,

not from mortal wounds,
but neglected wounds,

not from incompetence
or indifference

but from time.

From lack of time.

I'm in favor of more doctors,

more hospitals, and
better equipment.

And I'm also in
favor of this bill

until those other
things come along.

Because it will save lives.

Maybe a dozen lives,
maybe a thousand.

Maybe just one.

And who knows which one?

Thank you, gentlemen,
for your time.

Well, that's it.

Dr. Brackett, you must
be one hell of a doctor.

Gentlemen, the committee
will recess for 10 minutes.

I will then call for a vote.

Heroin OD?

She had nalorphine, 2 CCs.

Vital signs. Stable.

I'll take her in here.

15-year-old girl.

Using up future like
she had a corner on it.

You know the place. The
Shamrock, down on Lower East Fifth.

Picked her up
lying in a hallway.

Post-graduate mainliner.

Sheriff's follow-up found two
balloons of hash in her pocket.

[thunder cracking]

Sure coming down out there.

♪♪[ringing]

Sounds like they're
calling up the cavalry.

(man on radio) Engine
10, truck 10, Engine 210,

Engine 53, Engine 101,
Squad 10, Squad 128.

Battalion 14.

Respond to a tunnel
explosion with cave-in

at the flood-control tunnel,

Alameda Diversion Complex.

That's the Alameda
Diversion Complex,

Grid 34, Charlie-1.

Time out: 18:10.

Yes, sir. Everybody but us.

Grid 34. That out near the
center of the July earthquake.

Yeah, I read something about it

the other day.
They're enlarging it.

They got men working a 24-hour
shift to beat the rainy season.

You beavers seem to
have cooled your eager.

What good would we do out there?

Our usual half-a-job?

♪♪[wireless ringing]

They're playing our music, pal.

(man on radio) Engine 51,
Squad 51, with Engine 10

on a tunnel explosion cave-in...

Almost unanimous.

6 to 1 for our side. Phase 1.

Phase 2, the floor
of the Legislature.

When do we find that out?

I like your "we," Doctor.

The bill goes to both
houses at 8:00 tonight.

Anything more I can
do? I've got the 9:00.

I'll phone you soon as the
Governor signs it, if we get that far.

You'll need a raincoat.

I hear it's pouring
down your way.

This is it. Makes
me feel official.

If you were a betting man, what
would you give our chances?

Sometimes I think I've
only learned one thing

in 25 years of plodding
these hallowed halls.

"Don't bet."

[siren wailing]

Set up your aid station
inside, left of the tunnel.

We'll bring the victims to you.

We've got over 100 men to
get out of there, so let's move it.

Oh, Martha, we're not
even sure he's in there.

Can you help us, please?

My wife's father was
working in that tunnel.

I'm sorry, sir. We're still
getting reports on conditions.

LA Battalion 14.

Can you give me an ETA
on that additional crew?

You look wet. It is wet.

I've been following it on
the radio. Give me an update.

We're on standby
from HEAR to receive.

It's big.

Victims are being allocated
to every receiver in the county.

What's the latest total?

Could go to 115.

How are we staffed?

I held over the 7:00,
moved up 11:00.

Should be pulling in any minute.

Good girl.

And I get paid, too.

Okay, pal. One more
time, I'll repeat it:

Fifty O-positive, ten
O-negative, five A-positive.

You got that? Thanks, Mickey.

Blood bank? Right.

Well, good doctor, you
do recall The Longest Day?

This is the night to match.

How did you get so damp?

In the rain.

Put him down here.

[men chattering]

Sorry about the ground, but
there's guys in there still under it.

Resuscitator.

Make sure he's alive first. Some
of them ain't anymore. It's terrible.

Terrible! Dear God Almighty.

Resuscitator, fast.

Compound fractures.

Clavicles, and possible sternum.

Must've gotten a good hunk
of that tunnel on his chest.

Respiration shallow and regular.

Take a look at this skull
fracture in 4 with me.

Get him on IV ringers
and keep oxygen going.

[siren wailing]

[men groaning]

Planning on using that?

Look, I was wrong,
Roy. I know that now.

I was wrong.

Where? At that ravine? Dixie?

Look around you.

Don't tell me they couldn't use
4 more hands, trained hands.

Take over.

It's no good, Roy. Might
be another tunnel tomorrow

or a bombed
building, or anything.

If we can't show discipline now,

they'll wash the whole
program out forever.

I was wrong, Roy!

Second-degree burns on
face, neck and abdomen.

Third-degree, hands and legs.

How could a fire last
so long in a cave-in?

He's one of the volunteers helping
to dig those men out of the tunnel.

He was operating a jackhammer,
sparked a gas explosion.

They're ready in
surgery for debreding.

15 MS. Get him up there.

They've broken through
on the lee side of 28.

Looks like a
handful of survivors.

Move it quick! They don't expect
those walls to hold much longer.

You guys medics? Close enough.

We just opened up the slot
where the trencher was working.

Eight men in
there, all hurt bad.

Where's my father? I don't know.

They told me he was in here!

I hope he is, son.

(intern) Over
here, Doctor, quick.

[tools clanking]

Trencher.

Get to Riley.

He's pinned down
under the blades.

We'll need port power and jacks.

Better move it.

If this deck gives way and this
thing shifts, it will cut him in half.

Port power and jacks,
quick as you can.

Maybe it don't make
no difference no more

but Riley's got a bad heart.

Knock on it!

My leg hurts something awful.

You couldn't give
something to ease the pain?

Femur's shattered, femoral
artery almost shredded.

Will we take it just
above the knee?

We're not going to take it.

You can't save that leg.

It might turn out to be
more of a crutch than a leg,

but it's worth a try.

[creaking]

Watch out!

[rumbling]

Hit it a couple more
times. We can free him.

[rumbling]

All right.

[beeping]

If that artery will
support his circulation

for a few days,
he'll keep the leg.

You saw to that.

Let's close. 3/0 silk.

LA Battalion 14.

We'll need 25
additional ambulances.

We heard a man in there
is having a heart attack,

an old man with gray
hair. Can you help?

He's my father. Please help us.

I'll do my best to
check it out for you.

LA Battalion 14. Repeat:

What is the status of those
additional ambulances?

His pressure is low.

Let's get him in right away.

(Roy) He'd never
survive the trip.

Kell?

Yes? 51 on the Link.

What do they want? Help.

51. Go.

We have a male, tunnel worker.

Approximate age, 60.

Was trapped under
a digging machine.

Patient has a cardiac history.

He is now diaphoretic.

Vital signs: 80 over 50.

Rate: 100 and irregular.

Respiration is 12 and shallow.

Do you have your EKG hooked up?

Affirmative, Doctor.

Send me something
so I can get a reading.

This will be lead two.

Multiple PVCs.

V-tach.

Starting to fibrillate.

Defibrillate. 400 watt-seconds.

Kell, they're not
authorized to...

Are you receiving?

Come on, 51! You've got
a dying man on your hands.

Doctor, if we administer
shock and we lose him...

You're losing him right now.

You said yourself it
wasn't worth risking

the program for one case.

I just heard from
Wolski in Sacramento.

The Bill passed late last night.

Kell, you never
heard from Wolski.

Yeah, well, I should have.

[whirring]

Do you know what you're doing?

If that bill doesn't
pass, they'll crucify you.

I don't care about that.
We're not at a party

or talking to a committee.

That man's dead right now.

Zap him, damn it! Zap him.

[beeping]

400 watt-seconds.

[thudding]

No conversion.

Hit him again.

[beeping]

400 watt-seconds.

It's going again.

Breathing on his own.

Get vital signs. Start
IV, two amps bicarb,

100 milligrams lidocaine.

Yes, sir, we read.

And my highest congratulations,

Doctors.

Thank you, Doctor.

Let's get cracking and
move to higher ground.

You are a fool.

Probably.

A most wonderful fool.

Probably.

What are you gonna do if that
man dies and the bill doesn't pass?

Oh, I don't know.

Become a dentist, maybe.

Oh, you're tearing up, nurse.

Do you have something for it?

Probably.

[siren wailing]

[crying]

Isn't that a little
heavy for you to carry?

At least try to look busy.

Dr. Brackett and Nurse
Dixie are bearing down on us.

Rumor has it you
can read. Try this.

"Emergency
Paramedic Bill passes.

"Governor signs Bill after
late session last night.

Brilliant plea by LA doctor
credited for speedy passage."

I've talked to Chief Sorenson.

From all reports, you
people did just fine.

We were just about
to say that to you.

How would you two
know? You weren't there.

No, but he was.

Come on, Dix.

These boys are suffering
from battle fatigue.

I really don't know
what to say, Doc.

Who asked?

Don't take it so hard, Junior.

People have been
known to change.