Trending Topics

Burnout, bravery and gratitude: The story behind ‘Code 3’

Co-writer Patrick Pianezza: “I’ve been in those boots and I’m here to tell you thank you.”

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Patrick Pianezza, co-writer of the new EMS film “Code 3”, a deeply honest and compelling portrayal of life on the ambulance.

The film stars Rainn Wilson (“The Office”), Lil Rel Howery (“Free Guy”) and Aimee Carrero (“Elena of Avalor”), delivering a powerful performance that captures both the pressures and the humanity of EMS work. Using real-world experiences and stories from the field, “Code 3” highlights the passion, dedication and emotional toll experienced by EMS professionals every day. From burnout, to systemic challenges, the movie invites the public into the high-stakes world of emergency medical services, showing both the challenges and the heart behind the uniform.

Patrick and Rob discuss not only the storytelling process, but also the personal experiences that informed the movie. Pianezza candidly shares the emotional toll of EMS work, the reality of burnout and the importance of mental health support for first responders.

This episode is both a celebration of the dedication of those who serve in 911 and a call for awareness and gratitude for the vital work they perform. “Code 3” opens in selected cinemas on Sept. 12, 2025.

| MORE: ‘Code 3’ full trailer drops, showing the chaos, camaraderie and burnout behind the sirens

Memorable quotes on ‘Code 3’ starring Rainn Wilson

  • “I remember going to one of my old bosses and saying, ‘I think I’m burning out.’ The reaction I got was this dark chuckle … ‘We’re all burnt out. Get back on the truck.’ That kind of festering mentality is not healthy.” — Patrick Pianezza
  • “Six out of six people that I have worked with have unfortunately [died by] suicide, and the suicide rates for first responders is double that of the regular population … which is a statistic we need to fix.” — Patrick Pianezza
  • “And it is … a good representation of life on the truck, on the street, with a guy who’s clearly burned out; but a person that cares, that has passion, commitment and will always do the right thing.” — Patrick Pianezza
  • “There was no way to confront the story without talking about salaries, without talking about reimbursements … No one’s gonna see a movie about Medicare, Medicaid, but we are as honest as we can be.” — Patrick Pianezza
  • “This movie is nothing more than a gratitude tour for everyone who works in 911 … I’ll be a broken record here: thank you for what it is that you do because it matters. I’ve been in those boots and I’m here to tell you thank you.” — Patrick Pianezza
  • “And as I say in my review, those who know me know my ability to take tactical naps during movies. Well, this one got two eyes open and absolutely five stars.” — Rob Lawrence

Episode timeline

00:00 – Introduction: Rob Lawrence introduces Patrick Pianezza and the film “Code 3” starring Rainn Wilson
02:31 – Origins of “Code 3:” How the project started and the vision behind telling an authentic EMS story
05:01 – Creative team & casting: working with actors, crew and Rainn Wilson
08:01 – On-the-Street authenticity: translating real EMS experiences into the film
12:01 – Depicting burnout: emotional and mental challenges in EMS work
16:01 Mental health & seeking help: Autobiographical elements and confronting burnout
20:01 – Systemic issues: salaries, Medicare, and Medicaid reimbursement challenges
24:01 Impact on families & relationships: emotional toll beyond the job
27:01 – Personal reflection: Patrick’s journey, struggles and growth in EMS
29:01 Gratitude tour: purpose of the film and acknowledging EMS professionals
32:01 Closing thoughts: film release details, upcoming trailer and final messages of appreciation

Rate & review the EMS One-Stop podcast

Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify and RSS feed.

Rob Lawrence has been a leader in civilian and military EMS for over a quarter of a century. He is currently the director of strategic implementation for PRO EMS and its educational arm, Prodigy EMS, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and part-time executive director of the California Ambulance Association.

He previously served as the chief operating officer of the Richmond Ambulance Authority (Virginia), which won both state and national EMS Agency of the Year awards during his 10-year tenure. Additionally, he served as COO for Paramedics Plus in Alameda County, California.

Prior to emigrating to the U.S. in 2008, Rob served as the COO for the East of England Ambulance Service in Suffolk County, England, and as the executive director of operations and service development for the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust. Rob is a former Army officer and graduate of the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and served worldwide in a 20-year military career encompassing many prehospital and evacuation leadership roles.

Rob is the President of the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI) and former Board Member of the American Ambulance Association. He writes and podcasts for EMS1 and is a member of the EMS1 Editorial Advisory Board. Connect with him on Twitter.