LOS ANGELES — The team behind the upcoming paramedic documentary “Into the Unknown” is turning to the EMS community and longtime “Emergency!” fans for help bringing the film to wider audiences.
A Kickstarter campaign launched May 13 with a goal of raising $51,000 to support the documentary’s final marketing and distribution efforts ahead of its broader release.
The film, executive produced by “Emergency!” stars Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe, follows paramedic crews across the country, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of EMS work — from high-pressure calls to the emotional toll that often follows.
“This film is about honoring the deeply personal and raw stories of those who show up when people need help the most,” Mantooth said in a statement. “It’s important that these voices are heard, and that their experiences are shared in an authentic and meaningful way.”
Directed by Tom Putnam, known for the firefighter documentaries “BURN” and “BURN X,” the project aims to spotlight both the intensity of paramedic work and the humanity behind the profession.
“Into the Unknown” features paramedics and EMS crews from communities across the United States, exploring both the demands of frontline emergency care and the emotional toll many medics carry long after calls end.
The documentary also gained additional star power in 2020 when actor and former FDNY Firefighter Steve Buscemi joined the project as executive producer alongside his producing partner, Emmy-winning producer Wren Arthur.
“I started my career as a firefighter with the FDNY, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and courage it takes to serve others in these high-stress environments,” Buscemi previously said about the project. “Paramedics are often the unseen heroes, and this documentary offers a much-needed, authentic look at their lives and the sacrifices they make.”
Mantooth and Tighe, who portrayed paramedics Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto on the iconic 1970s television series “Emergency!,” have long remained connected to the EMS profession and its evolution.
Tighe said the project is also meant to honor the legacy of “Emergency!,” a show widely credited with inspiring interest in modern EMS and emergency response systems, while highlighting the real people behind the profession.
Supporters of the Kickstarter campaign will have access to exclusive rewards, including memorabilia and rare items from the personal collections of Mantooth and Tighe.
The documentary is supported by organizations including FirstNet, Built with AT&T, the Los Angeles County Fire Museum, ZOLL Medical Corporation, Global Medical Response and the National Association of EMTs.
The Kickstarter campaign is expected to run through the summer as filmmakers work toward expanding the documentary’s reach to EMS professionals and the public alike.
For more information about the film or to support the campaign, visit intotheunknowndoc.com.
