overall: 6 3/4 in x 17 in x 14 1/2 in; 17.145 cm x 43.18 cm x 36.83 cm
Object Name:
radio communication system
radio communications system
Place made:
United States: California, Culver City
Date made:
1970's
Description:
Orange fiberglass case with hinged lid, metal clamps for closure, black plastic handle, and aluminum trim. Biophone mounted inside case. A metal label on the phone reads: "Biocom Inc / Culver City, Calif. / Biophone 3502 / Serial No. / DEMO 3 / FCC Type No. / 3502-PE-12" The biophone could transmit voice as well as the patient's electrocardiogram in order for paramedics to communicate with the supervising physicians at the base hospital.
Emergency medical equipment from the 1970’s television show “Emergency!” The objects are authentic equipment developed for paramedic use. They were donated to the museum in 2000 along with uniforms, scripts, and photographs from the show. The supply kit and medical equipment were carried on “Squad 51" -- the rescue squad vehicle featured on the show. The show’s producers worked closely with the Los Angeles Fire Department and actual paramedics to realistically portray emergency medical treatments.
The collection was donated by “Project 51,” an organization established to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first paramedic training program in the United States. For the anniversary, “Squad 51” was taken on a cross-country tour ending in Washington, DC, with a donation ceremony at the National Museum of American History of the equipment and uniforms. The rescue squad vehicle was not collected by the museum; it returned to California and was donated to the Los Angeles County (LACO) Fire Museum.
Los Angeles County played an important role in establishing paramedical training in this country and launching the field of Emergency Medicine. The TV show Emergency!, which sought to realistically portray emergency medical treatment, was instrumental in introducing Americans to this new profession.
