In order to better portray his character, Tighe, along with other actors on the show, sat in on paramedic classes and participated in "ride-alongs" with the LA County Fire Department. When the show premiered, there were only 12 fire departments or ambulance services in North America fielding paramedics; the show is credited with introducing its audience to the concept of pre-hospital care, fire prevention, and CPR. In a 2006 Seattle radio interview, Tighe stated that "Emergency!" "...resonated with working people and I was always very proud of that fact. It promoted the paramedic program."