NBC’s television series Trauma sensationalize the roles of EMTs and paramedics in roles of intense, high action and often providing completely inaccurate patient care. The very first episode depicted crewmembers engaging in sexual activity while on duty. Billed as “an adrenaline shot to the heart.” The executive producers of NBC are cited as saying “everything in the script, on stage, and in the field, is seen and influenced by real doctors and paramedics” (Thompson, 2009, p. 1). However, critics from the EMS field had a different view on NBC’s new show. President Patrick Moore with an NAEMT drafted a letter to NBC’s chairman, Jeff Gaspin which stated, “I am sure that the intent of your television program is simply to entertain. However, the actual impact of the perception on EMS by the public is quite negative and could even result in individuals not seeking emergency medical services when needed (Thompson, 2009, p. 1). Other critics of the show “Trauma” also weigh in their opinions which depict the television drama series to be highly inaccurate and much worse, in some accounts, has set the image of the industry back fifty years. Despite NBC’s enthusiasm over the show, it only aired one season and today it’s unclear why the longevity of the show was
NBC’s television series Trauma sensationalize the roles of EMTs and paramedics in roles of intense, high action and often providing completely inaccurate patient care. The very first episode depicted crewmembers engaging in sexual activity while on duty. Billed as “an adrenaline shot to the heart.” The executive producers of NBC are cited as saying “everything in the script, on stage, and in the field, is seen and influenced by real doctors and paramedics” (Thompson, 2009, p. 1). However, critics from the EMS field had a different view on NBC’s new show. President Patrick Moore with an NAEMT drafted a letter to NBC’s chairman, Jeff Gaspin which stated, “I am sure that the intent of your television program is simply to entertain. However, the actual impact of the perception on EMS by the public is quite negative and could even result in individuals not seeking emergency medical services when needed (Thompson, 2009, p. 1). Other critics of the show “Trauma” also weigh in their opinions which depict the television drama series to be highly inaccurate and much worse, in some accounts, has set the image of the industry back fifty years. Despite NBC’s enthusiasm over the show, it only aired one season and today it’s unclear why the longevity of the show was