Randolph Mantooth, who played medic in NBC’s ‘Emergency!’, dies at 80 - NBC News
Randolph Mantooth, the actor best known for his role as paramedic John Gage in the 1970s series 'Emergency!', has died at age 80. The show is credited with popularizing the paramedic profession and inspiring many to pursue careers in emergency medical services.
Why it matters
The series had a significant cultural impact on the public perception and professionalization of emergency medical services in the United States.
LOS ANGELES — Actor Randolph Mantooth, best known for his role as firefighter and medic John Gage on NBC’s “Emergency!” television series in the 1970s, has died at age 80 after a long illness, his family said Friday. Mantooth’s role and the show, which ran for five years, changed the way that first responders were seen on TV, his family said. “The series helped introduce the public to paramedics and emergency medicine, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in EMS and firefighting,” the family said in a statement. “Its influence extended far beyond entertainment, contributing to greater recognition of emergency medical services throughout the country.” “Emergency!” featured a crew from Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 51. It ran from January 1972 until May 1977. There were also made-for-television movies that aired until 1979.
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