Emergency! (1972–1979): Season 1, Episode 4 - Brushfire - full transcript
Station 51 is assigned to fight up a wildfire. John and Roy protect an elderly woman with her sister, treat an injured firefighter, deliver a baby, catch a looter, and find a boy's lost dog. Dixie treats a boy with a broken arm.
[glass shattering]
Ooh.
Medic. What did you do?
I was dryin' a
glass, and it broke.
Come on and hold it up
underneath the faucet.
Five months training
as a paramedic
and all he can say is,
"Hold it under the faucet."
(Roy) All right, clear the area.
For a cut finger, Gage
needs a second opinion.
Want a bullet to bite on?
(man on radio) LA Patrol
120 reporting a brushfire
in Las Plumes Canyon,
north of Ravendale.
We have a good-going fire here,
approximately
five acres involved,
and spreading rapidly
toward Westline housing tract.
Send a full brush assignment,
Patrol 120, 10-4.
Las Pumas.
Yeah, around here.
It's a bad day for a brushfire.
You know it.
And in that area the
streets are laid out by goats.
And with on-street parking.
[beeping]
[buzzer sounding]
(man on radio) Engine
120, Engine 86, Patrol 86,
Station 51, Engine 64 and 264,
respond to brushfire
in Las Plumes Canyon,
Las Plumes Canyon,
north of Ravendale.
Time out: 12:35.
Station 51, 10-4.
Let's move it!
[siren wailing]
[sirens wailing]
(Chief) LA Battalion 14 at fire.
Command Post will
be in school grounds
at Las Plumas Canyon
Road and Sky/and Drive,
Give me a rundown on equipment.
(man on radio) Battalion 14,
you have a second-alarm
brush assignment,
Engines 120, 86,
51, 64, 264, 70,
68, 65, 75, and 307.
Patrols 120, 86, 64,
75, 68, 65, and 70.
Crew 91 on Copter 14.
Crew 22 on Copter 10.
Camps 14-1, 14-2,
17-1, 17-2, and 3.
5-2,12-3,15-1.
Copter 2, Battalion 6, and
Assistant 3 are also to respond,
You ever work a
brushfire before?
Couple of times.
My first.
Squad 51 checkin' in.
You guys about
ready to move out?
Yes, sir.
Good. You'll be getting some
business pretty soon, I figure.
Going to be a big one, huh?
We'll all be a little older.
[airplane engine whirs]
There goes the first drop.
(newscaster) You're looking
at films of a major brushfire
raging through Las
Plumes Canyon.
It started at approximately
12:25 this afternoon
and it has already
burned over 100 acres.
Firefighters feel that children playing
with matches may have been the cause.
Dr. Brackett, report to the
beach at Malibu or wherever.
Your relief is here.
You're too late, Dr. Early.
I don't get it.
Why am I too late?
You're lookin' at why.
Oh, the fire.
I heard something
vague on the car radio.
What's happening?
Nothing yet, but it will. You
know how these things go.
Yeah, I know. As
dry as it is today,
we're likely to get a lot of
business in here real fast.
What else is going on?
Room 4, GI bleeder.
You might look in
on him right away.
Will do.
(woman on PA system)
Dr. Hoffman, 64, please.
Hi, what goes?
We do, don't we?
Not anymore. Oh?
Brushfire. Could be a big one.
There goes that nice
patch of sand at Malibu.
Sure would have been fun.
Well, it'll still be
there tomorrow.
Where do we start?
With maybe a lot of burn casualties
and the usual trauma cases.
You'd better figure
to increase staff 50%,
unless the wind
changes up there.
It never does.
[beeping]
(man on radio) Squad
51, Las Plumes Base.
Copter 2 reports
a person injured
on ridge behind a
large, two-story house
at the end of Olema
Street. Time out: 13:03.
[siren wailing]
[siren wailing]
[siren wailing]
What are you doing here?
Fire Department.
I can read, young man.
And there's no fire here.
It's up on the other
side of the ridge.
Yes, ma'am, but
it's headin' this way.
Well, I'm not leaving my home.
So you might just as well
get on with putting it out.
We got a call that there's
somebody hurt up on top of that ridge.
Would you know
anything about it?
It might be my sister.
I saw her climbing up
there to look at the fire.
Crazy old woman.
Have you been up there?
Why? I've seen fires before.
[helicopter whirring]
(man on radio) Battalion
14, LA. We're receiving calls...
You know, your sister
might need some help.
If you've nothing better to do,
you might go up and help her.
[exclaims]
(Roy) If it comes up this ridge,
we're gonna have to
evacuate the area fast.
(John) Yeah.
[pants]
There she is.
(Roy) Hi.
We're the rescue squad
from the Fire Department.
You look like you
could use a little help.
You don't feel so good, do you?
Oh, no.
How did all this happen?
[groaning] I... I
came up the hill
to see if the fire...
Then I got weak and
dizzy, and I fell down.
Ever had any heart trouble?
[moaning] No.
[helicopter hovering]
Looks like a fractured ankle.
Do you have any pain?
Oh, yes.
Where? In the chest?
[groaning] No, all over.
I'm gonna take your
blood pressure now.
What's your name?
Uh,
Winifred.
Uh, well, Winifred,
you just relax.
We're here to help you
in every way we can.
(John) Rampart,
this is Rescue 51,
51.
Stand by.
How old are you?
I am 79.
She's 80.
Your sister?
Emma.
On rescue case.
We have a 79-year-old female.
Very weak, no chest pain.
She's in mild shock.
Simple fracture of right ankle.
What are her vital signs?
Blood pressure, 90 over 70,
pulse, 65.
90 over 70, pulse,
65. Respiration, 10,
very pale and ashen,
pupils responsive to light,
abdomen distended.
Who's been taking care of you?
Nobody.
(Joe) Take her
blood pressure again,
then sit her up, and
take it once more.
Blood pressure's
still 90 over 70.
We're gonna sit
you up for a moment.
Don't you do anything,
we'll do all the work.
[whimpering]
Quite a drop. 75 over 45.
Rampart, Rescue 51.
Go ahead, 51.
Blood pressure, lying
down, 90 over 70.
Sitting up, 75 over 45.
Tongue dry, no sweating?
Correct on both.
Sounds like she's dehydrated.
Start an IV. 05,
half-normal saline.
10-4.
I'll start the IV. You'd
better call for the ambulance.
Right.
Las Plumas Base, Rescue 51.
Respond ambulance
to 261 Olema Street.
(man on radio) 10-4,
Squad 51, KMG 941 clear.
Squad 51, Las Plumes Base.
Squad 51, go ahead.
Squad 51, sheriff reports no
ambulances available for 30 minutes.
10-4.
Ambulance. Why?
We're gonna take you
to the hospital, Winifred.
No. I... I'm not going.
They'll take good
care of you there.
I won't leave my house.
It's just what that
crazy woman wants.
You mean Emma?
She's been trying to...
to get me out of here
ever since Father died.
I won't go! I won't go!
[sobbing]
All right, all right, just
don't get all fussed up.
We've got a problem here.
Yeah, these two old
girls hate one another.
Yeah.
That's the problem.
And if we leave Winifred here,
her sister won't
take care of her.
Can we make her go?
Well, there are two of us.
But that's not the answer.
(man on radio) Squad
51, Las Plumes Base.
Las Plumas Base, Squad 51.
Squad 51, Battalion 14 advises
don't wait for the ambulance.
Fire is coming your way.
Area will be evacuated.
Base, we have an elderly
woman in serious condition
to be removed to the hospital.
Is there a helicopter available?
Squad 51, negative,
All tied up making water drops.
We will divert if
your patient critical.
Otherwise, try to transport
patient in your vehicle.
10-4.
In our vehicle?
You'd better get a Stokes
stretcher and a blanket.
Did you hear that, Winifred?
The whole area is
gonna be evacuated.
Emma, too?
Yeah, we'll take
her along with us.
All right, I'll go then.
[siren wailing]
We're gonna take your
sister to the hospital.
[fire crackling]
(man on PA system)
Attention. Attention.
All residents prepare
to evacuate this area:
Olema Street, from Ridgewood
to Las Plumes Canyon Road.
Evacuate immediately.
Attention.
Ready? One, two, up.
All residents prepare
to evacuate this area:
Olema Street, from Ridgewood
to Las Plumes Canyon Road.
Evacuate immediately.
(Roy) You ready?
(John) Yeah, just take it easy.
[helicopter hovering]
[siren wailing]
(John) Rampart, Rescue 51,
Okay, 51.
Be arriving in about 15 to 20
minutes with a patient aboard.
Could use some help at the door.
You got it. Nurse?
All right, put him in Room 5.
Kell, how's the fire?
Not good. Wind's picking up,
and the humidity's dropping.
That's not gonna help.
Us or the Fire Department.
What's the count so far?
35. Directly and
indirectly related.
Mostly minor, fortunately.
Guess the only thing
we do is pray for rain.
You know it, Joe.
Let me go! Will
you just let me go?
Dr. Brackett, this is Andy.
He was brought in from the
fire area with an arm injury.
I've got to get back. It
doesn't hurt anymore.
Where are your parents?
I don't know.
Dad was at work when it
started, and Mom went shopping.
Well, since you're here,
let's take a look at it.
Then can I go?
Ow!
Doesn't hurt, huh?
A little, I guess. Ow!
Uh-huh.
Looks like you've
got a broken arm, son.
I think it's broken in
a couple of places.
Let's get some pictures.
Ten-minute delay
on the x-ray room.
They're really piled up.
Soon as you can, then.
You heard anything?
Just that they're
evacuating some areas.
Sounds like overtime.
This is overtime.
I know.
But it sets a good
example for my nurses.
[woman on PA chattering]
Hey!
Just a moment, young man.
Where do you think you're going?
I've got to go back home.
You have to get that
arm x-rayed first, honey.
How long will it take?
What's your hurry, son?
I've got to get back up there.
Grover's up there.
He's lost in the fire.
Who's Grover?
My dog.
The helicopter scared
him away and he ran off.
When I tried to
find him, I fell.
Please let me go back.
You couldn't get back up
in that fire area now anyway.
Well, he'll get burned up.
(woman on PA system)
Dr. Brackett, Dr. Brackett,
I wouldn't worry about him.
You know, dogs are pretty smart.
He'll find his way out.
You don't care.
It's not your dog.
Dr. Bracken. Dr. Bracken.
[crying]
Get those pictures, huh?
Come on. Attaboy.
(woman on PA
system) Emergency at 6.
Hello, Roy. What
have you got here?
Dehydration case.
We have her on half-normal
saline, 19 scalp vein.
She also had a fractured ankle.
We splinted it.
Okay, looks good.
Winifred, we're at
the hospital now,
and they're gonna take
very good care of you.
We'll see you later, okay?
How's it look up there?
The fire? It's lookin' bad.
They're evacuating some areas.
Yeah. I watched it on
TV for a few minutes.
It doesn't look good.
Hi, Roy, Johnny.
Hiya, Dix. Who's your friend?
Oh, this is Andy.
He's one of the
evacuees from your fire.
Hi, Andy. How are you, Andy?
I've got to get back up there.
My dog's still up there.
Yeah, well, not today, partner.
We're gonna get
that arm in a cast.
I don't want any cast.
Listen, you're going back
up to the fire, aren't you?
Where else?
Well, you wouldn't mind looking
for Andy's dog, would you?
A dog? In that area?
Andy's going to have his arm
set now, and he's pretty worried.
Yeah, well, we'll keep
an eye open for him.
What kind of a dog is it, Andy?
Well, he's part Afghan.
I wouldn't know an
Afghan if I saw one.
What's the other part?
Briard, maybe.
He's sort of big
and real shaggy.
What color?
Well, mostly tan, I guess.
His name's Grover.
It's on his tag.
Okay. We'll see what we can do.
Thanks. Thanks an awful lot.
(man on radio) LA Division
1 switching to Frequency 5
for report on conditions.
You wanna switch over?
Go ahead.
Fire has burned
approximately 500 acres.
We're holding east to
west above Ravendale
and have partial
control of reservoir flank.
The main front has extended from
Las Plumes downward toward Rincon
and is out of control
in inaccessible terrain,
Wind: 50 miles an
hour from the northeast,
15 structures
involved, 42 injuries,
All homes from Olema Street to the
Canyon Road have been evacuated.
[sirens wailing]
[sirens wailing]
Thanks.
You know when I said
this was my first brushfire?
Yeah?
After today, I'd just
as soon it be my last.
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Five runs in six
hours is a little rough.
Rough?
[radio beeping]
(man on radio) Squad 51,
respond to 4471 Hidalgo Street.
Fireman injured,
[engine starting]
[siren wailing]
It's Conway. He's in the back.
[man chattering on radio]
(Roy) All right, Conway,
we're gonna be out of
here in a few minutes.
It's my leg.
Take it easy.
[man chattering on radio]
(Conway) Oh, my leg.
You take it easy.
Rampart, Rescue 51.
51, go ahead.
We have a fireman
trapped beneath a fallen tree.
Leg pinned, crimped pretty
good, arterial bleeding.
We've got a
tourniquet already on.
Start an IV, Ringer's lactate.
He's in terrific pain.
What about a shot?
Let's have his
vital signs first.
Rampart, hold for vital signs.
[sphygmomanometer puffing]
[air hissing]
Blood pressure, 90 over 70,
pulse, 80.
90 over 70, pulse, 80,
Any respiratory difficulties?
Respiration fair.
Okay, 10 milligrams
MS. IV, slow push.
10-4.
[Conway groaning]
[siren wailing]
(Mike) Ready to start cutting.
How's it look, Roy?
Am I gonna lose my leg?
Hey there, come on, buddy.
It doesn't look that bad.
We're just gonna cut the tree.
We'll have you at the
hospital in no time at all.
[grunts]
Go ahead.
[chainsaw whirring]
[sirens continue]
[grunts]
[sighing]
(man on radio) Battalion 14, LA,
We're receiving calls from
homes along Clearside Drive,
They say that fire has spotted
into the canyon below there.
How's it look?
Well, we stopped the bleeding.
Now we're gonna
splint you up real good.
[Conway grunts]
Hey, Gage,
I heard you got a
lot of business today.
And now my leg.
We gotta practice on somebody.
Yeah.
You paramedics do okay.
Who was on the saw?
Mike Stoker.
Yeah, I know him well.
He's quite a good man.
[panting]
I don't care what...
What his wife thinks.
And you can tell
him I said that.
I'll tell him that.
He sounds better now.
That's the shot.
Man, he's really out of it.
Well, what do you think?
Leg gonna be okay?
How do I know? I'm not a doctor.
Come on, get your
arms under him.
(Conway) ♪ From the
great Atlantic Ocean ♪
♪ To the wide Pacific shore ♪
[Conway chuckling]
♪ I see Labrador ♪
♪ She's mighty tall
and handsome ♪
♪ She's known
quite well by all J“
♪ She's a modern combination ♪
♪ The Wabash Cannonball ♪
♪ The Wabash Cannonball J' ♪
[Conway mumbling]
[gasping] What are you
guys doin' down there?
It's my leg you're
messing with, you know.
I got a right to know
what you're doin'.
Clamp.
All right, that
looks pretty good.
Let's tie it off.
All right.
Sponge.
All right, let's get on with it.
What's the word?
Nothin'.
They're still workin' on him.
Haven't you got
that fire out yet?
No, ma'am, not yet.
Well, what about my home?
You didn't let it burn, did you?
We haven't been back in
that area, so I really don't know.
What about your sister?
Well, nobody knows anything.
[woman chattering on PA system]
Coffee?
Dutch?
We'll flip.
It's a deal.
(Roy) How is he, Doctor?
Okay. We set the
femur and sewed him up.
Any permanent disabilities?
No. But if it hadn't been
for good field treatment,
there might have been.
We'll bring you
all our business.
Thanks.
How's Winifred, that,
uh, dehydration case?
She went into a coma,
but she's out now.
She'll live to be at least 80.
Yeah. Her sister's asking.
I know. She's been
here all afternoon.
I meant to talk to her, but
this is the first break we've had.
They're really
devoted, aren't they?
Oh, yeah. Devoted.
They hate one another.
You're putting me on.
Mmm, for like 30 years. Right?
If anything
happened to Winifred,
big sister would have
nothing to live for.
Oh, speaking of devotion, you
didn't find the lost dog, did you?
Oh, come on, Dixie.
I just thought I'd ask.
Okay, you asked.
Come on, Johnny. Let's go.
I clean forgot about
that kid losin' his dog.
We were kind of busy, remember?
Yeah, I know, but it
would sure be nice if...
Rule number one: never, repeat,
never get emotionally
involved with a victim.
Okay. I was just
gonna say it'd be nice...
If we could find the
kid's dog. I... I know.
In that?
[siren wailing]
(man on radio) LA Division
1, update on conditions.
Fire is making a
run at Cabo Canyon
and is burning along
a one-mile front.
Access is hampered
by sightseers.
Request additional
traffic control.
We've lost 2,500
acres, 30 structures,
55 injuries, Code I, 3.
On that Code I... Conway.
Two men off of Engine 64.
Smoke inhalation.
Could be a lot worse.
Winds have decreased.
I think they'll have it contained
by morning if the weather holds.
We're on recall.
We'll be up here tomorrow, too.
This is where it's happening.
Sure is.
[footsteps pattering]
Squad 51.
Let's move him out of the way.
[gasping]
What do you think it is?
Uh, it looks like a concussion.
He's got contusions
all over the skull.
[panting] Watch
out. They're comin'.
Take it easy. What happened?
Stampede.
What?
I got knocked
down in a stampede.
Didn't you see 'em? They were
heading this way. They were coming...
They've... What?
Huh?
[sighing] Oh... Gee, I'm sorry.
I'm okay.
[groaning] Oh.
What an experience.
[panting]
I was just... Just
takin' out my trash.
And I don't know why.
Who puts out trash anymore?
Who picks it up even?
Force of habit, I guess.
I got out to the
road. I heard a noise.
Sounded like a rockslide.
Well, what was it?
Horses.
A whole herd of horses.
Oh,
half a dozen of them, anyway.
They were... A
real wild stampede
comin' right at me
and no place to go.
And they ran right over me.
Where did they come from?
Oh, yeah, they...
There's a corral
up in the hills.
Somebody must've
opened the gate.
Maybe the... maybe
the fire spooked 'em out.
Why, I... I... I tell you,
I... I've been in
spots in my time.
[panting]
You open your eyes
and see a whole herd of horses
comin' right out of
the darkness at you.
Brother, ow, I
tell you, that's...
You might have a concussion.
We'd better get
you to the hospital.
We've got an ambulance
right down the road here.
No, no, no, thanks.
No, I'm okay. I'm...
I'm just a little shaky.
I can... I can do it on my own.
[grunts]
Maybe you're right. I...
I... Maybe you're right.
(man on radio)
Battalion 14, Engine 51,
wind is shifting
into our location,
Request permission to
start immediate backfire.
10-4, Engine 51,
(Captain) Las Plumes
Base, Engine 51.
We have a still alarm for a maternity
case at 12000 Oak Knoll Terrace.
Respond a squad
and an ambulance.
(man on radio) Engine 51, 10-4.
Las Plumas Base, Squad 51.
We read Engine 51's report.
Do you want us to respond?
Squad 51, 10-4.
[horn honking]
[siren wailing]
Man, babies sure pick
weird times to get born.
I guess the kid hasn't
heard about our brushfire.
I hope they respond
an ambulance.
Yeah, we sure can't carry
a pregnant lady on the back.
You might be surprised at
what we can do if we have to.
Battalion 14, Engine 51.
We're holding at
this location here,
but if the wind increases, we're
going to need additional help.
(man on radio) 10-4, Engine 51,
How's it goin'?
We can hold it if the
wind doesn't pick up on it.
But don't waste
any time in there.
Oh, we won't. That is,
if the baby cooperates.
Do what you can.
Hey, Kelly. Move
that line down this way.
(man on PA system) Headquarters
2, your destination and ETA.
Negative, Battalion 8.
Battalion 3, Engine 32 will
be out of service 45 minutes.
[woman groaning]
Thank you.
Hi.
How do you feel?
[panting] I'm having pains.
When's the baby due?
Two weeks.
But I was out watering
the roof all day.
Maybe I strained too much.
When did the pains start?
About 45 minutes ago.
I... I tried to call my doctor,
but there's no phone service.
How close together
are the pains?
Two minutes.
The membrane ruptured.
[panting]
Oh, the fire, it's
getting closer, isn't it?
Now you just take it easy.
There's a whole army of
firemen between us and it.
Do you have any other children?
This is my first.
Well, you just relax.
Everything's under control.
Are you here alone?
My husband had to
fly up to San Francisco
[straining] this morning.
[grunting]
[sighs]
Rampart Base, this is Rescue 51.
Traffic's so fouled up,
it'll take half an hour for the
ambulance to get through.
(Dixie) 51, Rampart.
Rampart, we have a
pregnant woman here.
Two weeks premature.
Water's broken, pains
every two minutes.
Stand by, 51.
All right. What's your name?
[panting] Rhonda Hughes.
Well, Mrs. Hughes, I'm going
to take your blood pressure now.
You're a fireman, aren't you?
Why can't you
get a call through?
I want my doctor.
We're talking to
a doctor right now.
[gasps]
I think the baby's coming.
All right, Mrs.
Hughes, just relax.
We're gonna take care of you.
We've been through this before.
51, this is Rampart. Go ahead.
Rampart,
we can't move the patient out of
here, and the baby's on its way.
Then you'll have to deliver it.
10-4.
[panting]
Check with the Captain. Tell him
we're gonna have to deliver here.
Right.
[Rhonda panting]
Vitals.
All right.
Rampart, vital signs.
Blood pressure normal.
Pulse rate, 100.
Respiration is 20,
Battalion 14, Engine 51.
Don't think we can hold
this location without support.
(Chief) Engine 51, I have
nothing available at this time.
If you cannot hold, move out.
10-4. You and
DeSoto better move it.
But we...
Don't know how much
longer we can hold.
Right, Captain.
How close together
are the pains?
About one minute.
Put on the rubber gloves and
break out the sterile sheets.
10-4.
Captain says
we'd better move it.
(Roy) All right, Mrs.
Hughes, you're doing fine.
[gasping]
You take a deep breath and push!
[grunts]
[Mrs. Hughes panting]
Cap says to move it.
Wind is really pickin' up.
How long does he figure?
Any minute.
Okay. I'll tell the baby.
Oh, funny.
[panting]
Baby's crowning.
Baby's crowning.
Take both your hands,
put 'em on her rib cage,
and press it down flat.
All right, Mrs. Hughes, once
more. Take a deep breath
and a big push!
[screams]
[panting]
The baby's out.
We're aspirating now.
[baby crying]
[chuckling]
[panting]
Clamp one is in place.
Clamp two.
[crying continues]
The cord is cut.
Get 'em in here.
10-4.
[baby crying]
What did you want, Mrs. Hughes?
A boy.
Big, healthy one.
Well, it's a boy,
and he looks good.
It'll look better in a hospital.
Come on, let's get out of here
fast. There's an ambulance waiting.
Well, there's no complications.
Mother is doin'
fine, so is the baby.
You did a nice job.
I'll pass that on to
Engine 51's crew.
It was getting very
close there for a while.
How are you feelin'?
Well, it's my third.
I... I feel kind of, uh...
I don't know the word exactly.
But you must have felt it
a few hundred babies ago.
I'll let you in on
a medical secret.
No doctor ever gets
totally blasé about it.
We make it easier for the mother
and we save a lot of babies
that might not have made it.
But the miracle of life,
well, that was going on long
before there were doctors.
Yeah. Just like
I was tellin' you.
Get out of here, hose jockey.
(woman on PA system) Staff,
get doc to Treatment Room 3.
You, too.
Me, too, what?
Get outta here.
You're off-duty as of right now.
Kell, I've got...
Look, the fire must
be under control.
We haven't had an
emergency in the last hour.
Now will you go home
and get some sleep?
Do I have to sleep?
We got an update
while you were inside.
Yeah?
They've got a line
90% around the fire.
Well, all right. Maybe
we'll get relieved soon.
Sounds like it. They're
already releasin' companies.
Well, I'm ready.
[radio beeping]
(man on radio) Squad
51, Las Plumes Base.
This could be our relief.
Squad 51.
Squad 51, we have a report
from the sheriff's recon plane
of a motorcycle accident
south of Ravendale.
It's in the hills.
He'll circle the area.
Do we have radio
contact with the plane?
Squad 51, make
visual contact with him,
LA can relay messages
through sheriff's radio room,
10-4.
[siren wailing]
[siren wailing]
Valley, Squad 51. We're approaching
from the Larkspur Motorway.
Can you have the
plane pinpoint the area?
(man on radio) 10-4, 51.
Squad 51, proceed approximately
500 yards past the crest.
Make a left turn on
truck trail to radio tower,
Squad 51.
Squad 51, the pilot says you
are approaching Alpine Road,
Fork left and
proceed to cistern.
Squad 51, you are
approaching the area.
The victim is in the brush just
below the slight curve ahead.
There he is, right there.
[groaning]
What kept you?
That plane's been
over me forever.
Where are you hurt?
It's my left shoulder.
It's busted.
[grunts]
I guess I lost some skin,
too, but that's nothin'.
How about your legs?
You feel any pain here?
No.
[airplane whirring]
Ribs?
Look, man, I told
you, it's the shoulder.
That's all.
Well, look, we got two ways
of gettin' you out of here.
One is to airlift you.
But I don't know
how long it'll take
for a helicopter to get here.
The other way is,
we can get you up and
walk you up to the trail.
You're not hurt too badly.
With that shoulder, it
isn't going to be pleasant,
but the other way
may take an hour.
Get me up.
[grunts]
[groaning]
Just take it easy, huh?
All right. Put your arm
around my shoulder.
[grunts]
[screams]
Hold him. Hold him.
[all grunting]
All right.
I don't know.
Come on.
This way.
Now where's he goin'?
To get your bike. We're
gonna throw it in the back.
Forget it, man. The
bike's totaled anyway.
It's no problem.
Look, man. I'm in pain.
Can't we get out of here?
It'll only take a minute.
Hey, Roy.
Looks like he's been
doing a little looting.
Well, let's get this one in.
(man on radio) Squad 51,
pilot reports a hot spot has
broken out below your position.
Suggest you move out fast.
Let's forget it and
get outta here.
LA, Squad 51, 10-4.
[siren wailing]
What did that guy
mean on the radio?
He means we stand a fair chance
of getting trapped in here.
(man on radio) Squad 51, pilot
reports fire closing the road fast.
Squad 51, ask pilot if we
can make it out the other way.
Squad 51, pilot
says, ”Negative, ”
What do you figure, Roy?
No sense getting
trapped in here.
We can make a break through.
See if a chopper can
give us a water drop.
LA, Squad 51.
We're going to try to
break through, if possible.
Can you have a chopper
give us a water drop?
(pilot) Squad 51, Copter 2.
I have you in sight.
The fire is closing fast.
I'll do my best,
[sighs]
51, Copter 2. We're
lining up on you now.
(John) Copter 2, can we make it?
Affirmative, 51. Go
ahead, we're with you.
Squad 51, 10-4.
Copter 2, Squad 51.
Thanks.
No sweat, 51.
LA, Squad 51 is okay.
Squad 51 returning
to Las Plumas Base.
Request Deputy
Sheriff meet us there.
(man on radio) Squad
51, 10-4, We copy.
There's a deputy at
the Command Post.
Hey, uh, what's that
for? Why the deputy?
Have to pick up an
EAP slip from him.
Come on, don't double-talk me.
For the ambulance to take you
to a hospital, you need an EAP slip
or you're gonna
have to pay for it.
Yeah?
(man on PA system) Copter
14, work on the ridge to your east.
We have Tractors 2 and 4 and
some crews widening out that line,
Superintendent 2 is in charge.
Hey... hey, man. Cool
it a minute, will you?
Come on. It's not
gonna hurt to listen.
There's, um, there's
a little for everybody.
You know what I'm talkin' about.
Yeah. We know.
Well, what do you say? You guys
could use $200, huh, couldn't you?
Well, I sure could.
How about you, DeSoto?
Just about any time.
Okay. We got a deal?
We've got an agreement.
What does that mean?
We all agree we could use $200.
(man on PA system) Go up to the
head of the fire on Overdale Drive,
Engine 120 is up there.
You guys put in a call?
Yeah, we want a
receipt for found property.
Where did you find it?
On his bike. Took a
header over the cliff.
Could be stolen.
We've had complaints
of looting up there. Yours?
I don't know anything
about that stuff.
It doesn't belong to you?
Never saw it before.
Do you live in the fire area?
No.
Why were you up there?
Just lost, that's all.
Uh-huh. I think
you just lost again.
You fellas haven't had
any chow, have you?
Better get some.
Right.
You know, I could
have used $200.
Not me. I'm independently poor.
(man on radio) Squad
3, what is your status?
[dog barking]
Squad 3... Where did
you get all the mutts?
Chased out by the fire.
They're scarping leftovers
until the owners claim them.
Hey, Roy.
One shot in a thousand.
Wouldn't hurt to check.
What kinda dog
did he say it was?
Part Afghan, I think.
10-4, Engine 17.
[dogs whimpering]
A what?
Forget it. Just ask for Grover.
Grover.
[whimpering]
Whoa, whoo.
Get back in. There you go.
It's a pretty bad fracture, son.
It's gonna take
some time to heal.
Yes, sir.
Well, that ought to do it.
Remember now, no
sports for at least a month.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
I'll walk out with you.
(woman on PA
system) Mrs. Smith, 65.
Come on, Grover.
Come on.
No!
[panting]
All right.
Stay. Stay.
[barking]
Grover!
If he falls on that arm...
[chattering]
What did you do that for, boy?
You're not supposed
to run off like...
Rule number one:
never get emotionally
involved with a patient.
Get in.
Ooh.
Medic. What did you do?
I was dryin' a
glass, and it broke.
Come on and hold it up
underneath the faucet.
Five months training
as a paramedic
and all he can say is,
"Hold it under the faucet."
(Roy) All right, clear the area.
For a cut finger, Gage
needs a second opinion.
Want a bullet to bite on?
(man on radio) LA Patrol
120 reporting a brushfire
in Las Plumes Canyon,
north of Ravendale.
We have a good-going fire here,
approximately
five acres involved,
and spreading rapidly
toward Westline housing tract.
Send a full brush assignment,
Patrol 120, 10-4.
Las Pumas.
Yeah, around here.
It's a bad day for a brushfire.
You know it.
And in that area the
streets are laid out by goats.
And with on-street parking.
[beeping]
[buzzer sounding]
(man on radio) Engine
120, Engine 86, Patrol 86,
Station 51, Engine 64 and 264,
respond to brushfire
in Las Plumes Canyon,
Las Plumes Canyon,
north of Ravendale.
Time out: 12:35.
Station 51, 10-4.
Let's move it!
[siren wailing]
[sirens wailing]
(Chief) LA Battalion 14 at fire.
Command Post will
be in school grounds
at Las Plumas Canyon
Road and Sky/and Drive,
Give me a rundown on equipment.
(man on radio) Battalion 14,
you have a second-alarm
brush assignment,
Engines 120, 86,
51, 64, 264, 70,
68, 65, 75, and 307.
Patrols 120, 86, 64,
75, 68, 65, and 70.
Crew 91 on Copter 14.
Crew 22 on Copter 10.
Camps 14-1, 14-2,
17-1, 17-2, and 3.
5-2,12-3,15-1.
Copter 2, Battalion 6, and
Assistant 3 are also to respond,
You ever work a
brushfire before?
Couple of times.
My first.
Squad 51 checkin' in.
You guys about
ready to move out?
Yes, sir.
Good. You'll be getting some
business pretty soon, I figure.
Going to be a big one, huh?
We'll all be a little older.
[airplane engine whirs]
There goes the first drop.
(newscaster) You're looking
at films of a major brushfire
raging through Las
Plumes Canyon.
It started at approximately
12:25 this afternoon
and it has already
burned over 100 acres.
Firefighters feel that children playing
with matches may have been the cause.
Dr. Brackett, report to the
beach at Malibu or wherever.
Your relief is here.
You're too late, Dr. Early.
I don't get it.
Why am I too late?
You're lookin' at why.
Oh, the fire.
I heard something
vague on the car radio.
What's happening?
Nothing yet, but it will. You
know how these things go.
Yeah, I know. As
dry as it is today,
we're likely to get a lot of
business in here real fast.
What else is going on?
Room 4, GI bleeder.
You might look in
on him right away.
Will do.
(woman on PA system)
Dr. Hoffman, 64, please.
Hi, what goes?
We do, don't we?
Not anymore. Oh?
Brushfire. Could be a big one.
There goes that nice
patch of sand at Malibu.
Sure would have been fun.
Well, it'll still be
there tomorrow.
Where do we start?
With maybe a lot of burn casualties
and the usual trauma cases.
You'd better figure
to increase staff 50%,
unless the wind
changes up there.
It never does.
[beeping]
(man on radio) Squad
51, Las Plumes Base.
Copter 2 reports
a person injured
on ridge behind a
large, two-story house
at the end of Olema
Street. Time out: 13:03.
[siren wailing]
[siren wailing]
[siren wailing]
What are you doing here?
Fire Department.
I can read, young man.
And there's no fire here.
It's up on the other
side of the ridge.
Yes, ma'am, but
it's headin' this way.
Well, I'm not leaving my home.
So you might just as well
get on with putting it out.
We got a call that there's
somebody hurt up on top of that ridge.
Would you know
anything about it?
It might be my sister.
I saw her climbing up
there to look at the fire.
Crazy old woman.
Have you been up there?
Why? I've seen fires before.
[helicopter whirring]
(man on radio) Battalion
14, LA. We're receiving calls...
You know, your sister
might need some help.
If you've nothing better to do,
you might go up and help her.
[exclaims]
(Roy) If it comes up this ridge,
we're gonna have to
evacuate the area fast.
(John) Yeah.
[pants]
There she is.
(Roy) Hi.
We're the rescue squad
from the Fire Department.
You look like you
could use a little help.
You don't feel so good, do you?
Oh, no.
How did all this happen?
[groaning] I... I
came up the hill
to see if the fire...
Then I got weak and
dizzy, and I fell down.
Ever had any heart trouble?
[moaning] No.
[helicopter hovering]
Looks like a fractured ankle.
Do you have any pain?
Oh, yes.
Where? In the chest?
[groaning] No, all over.
I'm gonna take your
blood pressure now.
What's your name?
Uh,
Winifred.
Uh, well, Winifred,
you just relax.
We're here to help you
in every way we can.
(John) Rampart,
this is Rescue 51,
51.
Stand by.
How old are you?
I am 79.
She's 80.
Your sister?
Emma.
On rescue case.
We have a 79-year-old female.
Very weak, no chest pain.
She's in mild shock.
Simple fracture of right ankle.
What are her vital signs?
Blood pressure, 90 over 70,
pulse, 65.
90 over 70, pulse,
65. Respiration, 10,
very pale and ashen,
pupils responsive to light,
abdomen distended.
Who's been taking care of you?
Nobody.
(Joe) Take her
blood pressure again,
then sit her up, and
take it once more.
Blood pressure's
still 90 over 70.
We're gonna sit
you up for a moment.
Don't you do anything,
we'll do all the work.
[whimpering]
Quite a drop. 75 over 45.
Rampart, Rescue 51.
Go ahead, 51.
Blood pressure, lying
down, 90 over 70.
Sitting up, 75 over 45.
Tongue dry, no sweating?
Correct on both.
Sounds like she's dehydrated.
Start an IV. 05,
half-normal saline.
10-4.
I'll start the IV. You'd
better call for the ambulance.
Right.
Las Plumas Base, Rescue 51.
Respond ambulance
to 261 Olema Street.
(man on radio) 10-4,
Squad 51, KMG 941 clear.
Squad 51, Las Plumes Base.
Squad 51, go ahead.
Squad 51, sheriff reports no
ambulances available for 30 minutes.
10-4.
Ambulance. Why?
We're gonna take you
to the hospital, Winifred.
No. I... I'm not going.
They'll take good
care of you there.
I won't leave my house.
It's just what that
crazy woman wants.
You mean Emma?
She's been trying to...
to get me out of here
ever since Father died.
I won't go! I won't go!
[sobbing]
All right, all right, just
don't get all fussed up.
We've got a problem here.
Yeah, these two old
girls hate one another.
Yeah.
That's the problem.
And if we leave Winifred here,
her sister won't
take care of her.
Can we make her go?
Well, there are two of us.
But that's not the answer.
(man on radio) Squad
51, Las Plumes Base.
Las Plumas Base, Squad 51.
Squad 51, Battalion 14 advises
don't wait for the ambulance.
Fire is coming your way.
Area will be evacuated.
Base, we have an elderly
woman in serious condition
to be removed to the hospital.
Is there a helicopter available?
Squad 51, negative,
All tied up making water drops.
We will divert if
your patient critical.
Otherwise, try to transport
patient in your vehicle.
10-4.
In our vehicle?
You'd better get a Stokes
stretcher and a blanket.
Did you hear that, Winifred?
The whole area is
gonna be evacuated.
Emma, too?
Yeah, we'll take
her along with us.
All right, I'll go then.
[siren wailing]
We're gonna take your
sister to the hospital.
[fire crackling]
(man on PA system)
Attention. Attention.
All residents prepare
to evacuate this area:
Olema Street, from Ridgewood
to Las Plumes Canyon Road.
Evacuate immediately.
Attention.
Ready? One, two, up.
All residents prepare
to evacuate this area:
Olema Street, from Ridgewood
to Las Plumes Canyon Road.
Evacuate immediately.
(Roy) You ready?
(John) Yeah, just take it easy.
[helicopter hovering]
[siren wailing]
(John) Rampart, Rescue 51,
Okay, 51.
Be arriving in about 15 to 20
minutes with a patient aboard.
Could use some help at the door.
You got it. Nurse?
All right, put him in Room 5.
Kell, how's the fire?
Not good. Wind's picking up,
and the humidity's dropping.
That's not gonna help.
Us or the Fire Department.
What's the count so far?
35. Directly and
indirectly related.
Mostly minor, fortunately.
Guess the only thing
we do is pray for rain.
You know it, Joe.
Let me go! Will
you just let me go?
Dr. Brackett, this is Andy.
He was brought in from the
fire area with an arm injury.
I've got to get back. It
doesn't hurt anymore.
Where are your parents?
I don't know.
Dad was at work when it
started, and Mom went shopping.
Well, since you're here,
let's take a look at it.
Then can I go?
Ow!
Doesn't hurt, huh?
A little, I guess. Ow!
Uh-huh.
Looks like you've
got a broken arm, son.
I think it's broken in
a couple of places.
Let's get some pictures.
Ten-minute delay
on the x-ray room.
They're really piled up.
Soon as you can, then.
You heard anything?
Just that they're
evacuating some areas.
Sounds like overtime.
This is overtime.
I know.
But it sets a good
example for my nurses.
[woman on PA chattering]
Hey!
Just a moment, young man.
Where do you think you're going?
I've got to go back home.
You have to get that
arm x-rayed first, honey.
How long will it take?
What's your hurry, son?
I've got to get back up there.
Grover's up there.
He's lost in the fire.
Who's Grover?
My dog.
The helicopter scared
him away and he ran off.
When I tried to
find him, I fell.
Please let me go back.
You couldn't get back up
in that fire area now anyway.
Well, he'll get burned up.
(woman on PA system)
Dr. Brackett, Dr. Brackett,
I wouldn't worry about him.
You know, dogs are pretty smart.
He'll find his way out.
You don't care.
It's not your dog.
Dr. Bracken. Dr. Bracken.
[crying]
Get those pictures, huh?
Come on. Attaboy.
(woman on PA
system) Emergency at 6.
Hello, Roy. What
have you got here?
Dehydration case.
We have her on half-normal
saline, 19 scalp vein.
She also had a fractured ankle.
We splinted it.
Okay, looks good.
Winifred, we're at
the hospital now,
and they're gonna take
very good care of you.
We'll see you later, okay?
How's it look up there?
The fire? It's lookin' bad.
They're evacuating some areas.
Yeah. I watched it on
TV for a few minutes.
It doesn't look good.
Hi, Roy, Johnny.
Hiya, Dix. Who's your friend?
Oh, this is Andy.
He's one of the
evacuees from your fire.
Hi, Andy. How are you, Andy?
I've got to get back up there.
My dog's still up there.
Yeah, well, not today, partner.
We're gonna get
that arm in a cast.
I don't want any cast.
Listen, you're going back
up to the fire, aren't you?
Where else?
Well, you wouldn't mind looking
for Andy's dog, would you?
A dog? In that area?
Andy's going to have his arm
set now, and he's pretty worried.
Yeah, well, we'll keep
an eye open for him.
What kind of a dog is it, Andy?
Well, he's part Afghan.
I wouldn't know an
Afghan if I saw one.
What's the other part?
Briard, maybe.
He's sort of big
and real shaggy.
What color?
Well, mostly tan, I guess.
His name's Grover.
It's on his tag.
Okay. We'll see what we can do.
Thanks. Thanks an awful lot.
(man on radio) LA Division
1 switching to Frequency 5
for report on conditions.
You wanna switch over?
Go ahead.
Fire has burned
approximately 500 acres.
We're holding east to
west above Ravendale
and have partial
control of reservoir flank.
The main front has extended from
Las Plumes downward toward Rincon
and is out of control
in inaccessible terrain,
Wind: 50 miles an
hour from the northeast,
15 structures
involved, 42 injuries,
All homes from Olema Street to the
Canyon Road have been evacuated.
[sirens wailing]
[sirens wailing]
Thanks.
You know when I said
this was my first brushfire?
Yeah?
After today, I'd just
as soon it be my last.
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Five runs in six
hours is a little rough.
Rough?
[radio beeping]
(man on radio) Squad 51,
respond to 4471 Hidalgo Street.
Fireman injured,
[engine starting]
[siren wailing]
It's Conway. He's in the back.
[man chattering on radio]
(Roy) All right, Conway,
we're gonna be out of
here in a few minutes.
It's my leg.
Take it easy.
[man chattering on radio]
(Conway) Oh, my leg.
You take it easy.
Rampart, Rescue 51.
51, go ahead.
We have a fireman
trapped beneath a fallen tree.
Leg pinned, crimped pretty
good, arterial bleeding.
We've got a
tourniquet already on.
Start an IV, Ringer's lactate.
He's in terrific pain.
What about a shot?
Let's have his
vital signs first.
Rampart, hold for vital signs.
[sphygmomanometer puffing]
[air hissing]
Blood pressure, 90 over 70,
pulse, 80.
90 over 70, pulse, 80,
Any respiratory difficulties?
Respiration fair.
Okay, 10 milligrams
MS. IV, slow push.
10-4.
[Conway groaning]
[siren wailing]
(Mike) Ready to start cutting.
How's it look, Roy?
Am I gonna lose my leg?
Hey there, come on, buddy.
It doesn't look that bad.
We're just gonna cut the tree.
We'll have you at the
hospital in no time at all.
[grunts]
Go ahead.
[chainsaw whirring]
[sirens continue]
[grunts]
[sighing]
(man on radio) Battalion 14, LA,
We're receiving calls from
homes along Clearside Drive,
They say that fire has spotted
into the canyon below there.
How's it look?
Well, we stopped the bleeding.
Now we're gonna
splint you up real good.
[Conway grunts]
Hey, Gage,
I heard you got a
lot of business today.
And now my leg.
We gotta practice on somebody.
Yeah.
You paramedics do okay.
Who was on the saw?
Mike Stoker.
Yeah, I know him well.
He's quite a good man.
[panting]
I don't care what...
What his wife thinks.
And you can tell
him I said that.
I'll tell him that.
He sounds better now.
That's the shot.
Man, he's really out of it.
Well, what do you think?
Leg gonna be okay?
How do I know? I'm not a doctor.
Come on, get your
arms under him.
(Conway) ♪ From the
great Atlantic Ocean ♪
♪ To the wide Pacific shore ♪
[Conway chuckling]
♪ I see Labrador ♪
♪ She's mighty tall
and handsome ♪
♪ She's known
quite well by all J“
♪ She's a modern combination ♪
♪ The Wabash Cannonball ♪
♪ The Wabash Cannonball J' ♪
[Conway mumbling]
[gasping] What are you
guys doin' down there?
It's my leg you're
messing with, you know.
I got a right to know
what you're doin'.
Clamp.
All right, that
looks pretty good.
Let's tie it off.
All right.
Sponge.
All right, let's get on with it.
What's the word?
Nothin'.
They're still workin' on him.
Haven't you got
that fire out yet?
No, ma'am, not yet.
Well, what about my home?
You didn't let it burn, did you?
We haven't been back in
that area, so I really don't know.
What about your sister?
Well, nobody knows anything.
[woman chattering on PA system]
Coffee?
Dutch?
We'll flip.
It's a deal.
(Roy) How is he, Doctor?
Okay. We set the
femur and sewed him up.
Any permanent disabilities?
No. But if it hadn't been
for good field treatment,
there might have been.
We'll bring you
all our business.
Thanks.
How's Winifred, that,
uh, dehydration case?
She went into a coma,
but she's out now.
She'll live to be at least 80.
Yeah. Her sister's asking.
I know. She's been
here all afternoon.
I meant to talk to her, but
this is the first break we've had.
They're really
devoted, aren't they?
Oh, yeah. Devoted.
They hate one another.
You're putting me on.
Mmm, for like 30 years. Right?
If anything
happened to Winifred,
big sister would have
nothing to live for.
Oh, speaking of devotion, you
didn't find the lost dog, did you?
Oh, come on, Dixie.
I just thought I'd ask.
Okay, you asked.
Come on, Johnny. Let's go.
I clean forgot about
that kid losin' his dog.
We were kind of busy, remember?
Yeah, I know, but it
would sure be nice if...
Rule number one: never, repeat,
never get emotionally
involved with a victim.
Okay. I was just
gonna say it'd be nice...
If we could find the
kid's dog. I... I know.
In that?
[siren wailing]
(man on radio) LA Division
1, update on conditions.
Fire is making a
run at Cabo Canyon
and is burning along
a one-mile front.
Access is hampered
by sightseers.
Request additional
traffic control.
We've lost 2,500
acres, 30 structures,
55 injuries, Code I, 3.
On that Code I... Conway.
Two men off of Engine 64.
Smoke inhalation.
Could be a lot worse.
Winds have decreased.
I think they'll have it contained
by morning if the weather holds.
We're on recall.
We'll be up here tomorrow, too.
This is where it's happening.
Sure is.
[footsteps pattering]
Squad 51.
Let's move him out of the way.
[gasping]
What do you think it is?
Uh, it looks like a concussion.
He's got contusions
all over the skull.
[panting] Watch
out. They're comin'.
Take it easy. What happened?
Stampede.
What?
I got knocked
down in a stampede.
Didn't you see 'em? They were
heading this way. They were coming...
They've... What?
Huh?
[sighing] Oh... Gee, I'm sorry.
I'm okay.
[groaning] Oh.
What an experience.
[panting]
I was just... Just
takin' out my trash.
And I don't know why.
Who puts out trash anymore?
Who picks it up even?
Force of habit, I guess.
I got out to the
road. I heard a noise.
Sounded like a rockslide.
Well, what was it?
Horses.
A whole herd of horses.
Oh,
half a dozen of them, anyway.
They were... A
real wild stampede
comin' right at me
and no place to go.
And they ran right over me.
Where did they come from?
Oh, yeah, they...
There's a corral
up in the hills.
Somebody must've
opened the gate.
Maybe the... maybe
the fire spooked 'em out.
Why, I... I... I tell you,
I... I've been in
spots in my time.
[panting]
You open your eyes
and see a whole herd of horses
comin' right out of
the darkness at you.
Brother, ow, I
tell you, that's...
You might have a concussion.
We'd better get
you to the hospital.
We've got an ambulance
right down the road here.
No, no, no, thanks.
No, I'm okay. I'm...
I'm just a little shaky.
I can... I can do it on my own.
[grunts]
Maybe you're right. I...
I... Maybe you're right.
(man on radio)
Battalion 14, Engine 51,
wind is shifting
into our location,
Request permission to
start immediate backfire.
10-4, Engine 51,
(Captain) Las Plumes
Base, Engine 51.
We have a still alarm for a maternity
case at 12000 Oak Knoll Terrace.
Respond a squad
and an ambulance.
(man on radio) Engine 51, 10-4.
Las Plumas Base, Squad 51.
We read Engine 51's report.
Do you want us to respond?
Squad 51, 10-4.
[horn honking]
[siren wailing]
Man, babies sure pick
weird times to get born.
I guess the kid hasn't
heard about our brushfire.
I hope they respond
an ambulance.
Yeah, we sure can't carry
a pregnant lady on the back.
You might be surprised at
what we can do if we have to.
Battalion 14, Engine 51.
We're holding at
this location here,
but if the wind increases, we're
going to need additional help.
(man on radio) 10-4, Engine 51,
How's it goin'?
We can hold it if the
wind doesn't pick up on it.
But don't waste
any time in there.
Oh, we won't. That is,
if the baby cooperates.
Do what you can.
Hey, Kelly. Move
that line down this way.
(man on PA system) Headquarters
2, your destination and ETA.
Negative, Battalion 8.
Battalion 3, Engine 32 will
be out of service 45 minutes.
[woman groaning]
Thank you.
Hi.
How do you feel?
[panting] I'm having pains.
When's the baby due?
Two weeks.
But I was out watering
the roof all day.
Maybe I strained too much.
When did the pains start?
About 45 minutes ago.
I... I tried to call my doctor,
but there's no phone service.
How close together
are the pains?
Two minutes.
The membrane ruptured.
[panting]
Oh, the fire, it's
getting closer, isn't it?
Now you just take it easy.
There's a whole army of
firemen between us and it.
Do you have any other children?
This is my first.
Well, you just relax.
Everything's under control.
Are you here alone?
My husband had to
fly up to San Francisco
[straining] this morning.
[grunting]
[sighs]
Rampart Base, this is Rescue 51.
Traffic's so fouled up,
it'll take half an hour for the
ambulance to get through.
(Dixie) 51, Rampart.
Rampart, we have a
pregnant woman here.
Two weeks premature.
Water's broken, pains
every two minutes.
Stand by, 51.
All right. What's your name?
[panting] Rhonda Hughes.
Well, Mrs. Hughes, I'm going
to take your blood pressure now.
You're a fireman, aren't you?
Why can't you
get a call through?
I want my doctor.
We're talking to
a doctor right now.
[gasps]
I think the baby's coming.
All right, Mrs.
Hughes, just relax.
We're gonna take care of you.
We've been through this before.
51, this is Rampart. Go ahead.
Rampart,
we can't move the patient out of
here, and the baby's on its way.
Then you'll have to deliver it.
10-4.
[panting]
Check with the Captain. Tell him
we're gonna have to deliver here.
Right.
[Rhonda panting]
Vitals.
All right.
Rampart, vital signs.
Blood pressure normal.
Pulse rate, 100.
Respiration is 20,
Battalion 14, Engine 51.
Don't think we can hold
this location without support.
(Chief) Engine 51, I have
nothing available at this time.
If you cannot hold, move out.
10-4. You and
DeSoto better move it.
But we...
Don't know how much
longer we can hold.
Right, Captain.
How close together
are the pains?
About one minute.
Put on the rubber gloves and
break out the sterile sheets.
10-4.
Captain says
we'd better move it.
(Roy) All right, Mrs.
Hughes, you're doing fine.
[gasping]
You take a deep breath and push!
[grunts]
[Mrs. Hughes panting]
Cap says to move it.
Wind is really pickin' up.
How long does he figure?
Any minute.
Okay. I'll tell the baby.
Oh, funny.
[panting]
Baby's crowning.
Baby's crowning.
Take both your hands,
put 'em on her rib cage,
and press it down flat.
All right, Mrs. Hughes, once
more. Take a deep breath
and a big push!
[screams]
[panting]
The baby's out.
We're aspirating now.
[baby crying]
[chuckling]
[panting]
Clamp one is in place.
Clamp two.
[crying continues]
The cord is cut.
Get 'em in here.
10-4.
[baby crying]
What did you want, Mrs. Hughes?
A boy.
Big, healthy one.
Well, it's a boy,
and he looks good.
It'll look better in a hospital.
Come on, let's get out of here
fast. There's an ambulance waiting.
Well, there's no complications.
Mother is doin'
fine, so is the baby.
You did a nice job.
I'll pass that on to
Engine 51's crew.
It was getting very
close there for a while.
How are you feelin'?
Well, it's my third.
I... I feel kind of, uh...
I don't know the word exactly.
But you must have felt it
a few hundred babies ago.
I'll let you in on
a medical secret.
No doctor ever gets
totally blasé about it.
We make it easier for the mother
and we save a lot of babies
that might not have made it.
But the miracle of life,
well, that was going on long
before there were doctors.
Yeah. Just like
I was tellin' you.
Get out of here, hose jockey.
(woman on PA system) Staff,
get doc to Treatment Room 3.
You, too.
Me, too, what?
Get outta here.
You're off-duty as of right now.
Kell, I've got...
Look, the fire must
be under control.
We haven't had an
emergency in the last hour.
Now will you go home
and get some sleep?
Do I have to sleep?
We got an update
while you were inside.
Yeah?
They've got a line
90% around the fire.
Well, all right. Maybe
we'll get relieved soon.
Sounds like it. They're
already releasin' companies.
Well, I'm ready.
[radio beeping]
(man on radio) Squad
51, Las Plumes Base.
This could be our relief.
Squad 51.
Squad 51, we have a report
from the sheriff's recon plane
of a motorcycle accident
south of Ravendale.
It's in the hills.
He'll circle the area.
Do we have radio
contact with the plane?
Squad 51, make
visual contact with him,
LA can relay messages
through sheriff's radio room,
10-4.
[siren wailing]
[siren wailing]
Valley, Squad 51. We're approaching
from the Larkspur Motorway.
Can you have the
plane pinpoint the area?
(man on radio) 10-4, 51.
Squad 51, proceed approximately
500 yards past the crest.
Make a left turn on
truck trail to radio tower,
Squad 51.
Squad 51, the pilot says you
are approaching Alpine Road,
Fork left and
proceed to cistern.
Squad 51, you are
approaching the area.
The victim is in the brush just
below the slight curve ahead.
There he is, right there.
[groaning]
What kept you?
That plane's been
over me forever.
Where are you hurt?
It's my left shoulder.
It's busted.
[grunts]
I guess I lost some skin,
too, but that's nothin'.
How about your legs?
You feel any pain here?
No.
[airplane whirring]
Ribs?
Look, man, I told
you, it's the shoulder.
That's all.
Well, look, we got two ways
of gettin' you out of here.
One is to airlift you.
But I don't know
how long it'll take
for a helicopter to get here.
The other way is,
we can get you up and
walk you up to the trail.
You're not hurt too badly.
With that shoulder, it
isn't going to be pleasant,
but the other way
may take an hour.
Get me up.
[grunts]
[groaning]
Just take it easy, huh?
All right. Put your arm
around my shoulder.
[grunts]
[screams]
Hold him. Hold him.
[all grunting]
All right.
I don't know.
Come on.
This way.
Now where's he goin'?
To get your bike. We're
gonna throw it in the back.
Forget it, man. The
bike's totaled anyway.
It's no problem.
Look, man. I'm in pain.
Can't we get out of here?
It'll only take a minute.
Hey, Roy.
Looks like he's been
doing a little looting.
Well, let's get this one in.
(man on radio) Squad 51,
pilot reports a hot spot has
broken out below your position.
Suggest you move out fast.
Let's forget it and
get outta here.
LA, Squad 51, 10-4.
[siren wailing]
What did that guy
mean on the radio?
He means we stand a fair chance
of getting trapped in here.
(man on radio) Squad 51, pilot
reports fire closing the road fast.
Squad 51, ask pilot if we
can make it out the other way.
Squad 51, pilot
says, ”Negative, ”
What do you figure, Roy?
No sense getting
trapped in here.
We can make a break through.
See if a chopper can
give us a water drop.
LA, Squad 51.
We're going to try to
break through, if possible.
Can you have a chopper
give us a water drop?
(pilot) Squad 51, Copter 2.
I have you in sight.
The fire is closing fast.
I'll do my best,
[sighs]
51, Copter 2. We're
lining up on you now.
(John) Copter 2, can we make it?
Affirmative, 51. Go
ahead, we're with you.
Squad 51, 10-4.
Copter 2, Squad 51.
Thanks.
No sweat, 51.
LA, Squad 51 is okay.
Squad 51 returning
to Las Plumas Base.
Request Deputy
Sheriff meet us there.
(man on radio) Squad
51, 10-4, We copy.
There's a deputy at
the Command Post.
Hey, uh, what's that
for? Why the deputy?
Have to pick up an
EAP slip from him.
Come on, don't double-talk me.
For the ambulance to take you
to a hospital, you need an EAP slip
or you're gonna
have to pay for it.
Yeah?
(man on PA system) Copter
14, work on the ridge to your east.
We have Tractors 2 and 4 and
some crews widening out that line,
Superintendent 2 is in charge.
Hey... hey, man. Cool
it a minute, will you?
Come on. It's not
gonna hurt to listen.
There's, um, there's
a little for everybody.
You know what I'm talkin' about.
Yeah. We know.
Well, what do you say? You guys
could use $200, huh, couldn't you?
Well, I sure could.
How about you, DeSoto?
Just about any time.
Okay. We got a deal?
We've got an agreement.
What does that mean?
We all agree we could use $200.
(man on PA system) Go up to the
head of the fire on Overdale Drive,
Engine 120 is up there.
You guys put in a call?
Yeah, we want a
receipt for found property.
Where did you find it?
On his bike. Took a
header over the cliff.
Could be stolen.
We've had complaints
of looting up there. Yours?
I don't know anything
about that stuff.
It doesn't belong to you?
Never saw it before.
Do you live in the fire area?
No.
Why were you up there?
Just lost, that's all.
Uh-huh. I think
you just lost again.
You fellas haven't had
any chow, have you?
Better get some.
Right.
You know, I could
have used $200.
Not me. I'm independently poor.
(man on radio) Squad
3, what is your status?
[dog barking]
Squad 3... Where did
you get all the mutts?
Chased out by the fire.
They're scarping leftovers
until the owners claim them.
Hey, Roy.
One shot in a thousand.
Wouldn't hurt to check.
What kinda dog
did he say it was?
Part Afghan, I think.
10-4, Engine 17.
[dogs whimpering]
A what?
Forget it. Just ask for Grover.
Grover.
[whimpering]
Whoa, whoo.
Get back in. There you go.
It's a pretty bad fracture, son.
It's gonna take
some time to heal.
Yes, sir.
Well, that ought to do it.
Remember now, no
sports for at least a month.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
I'll walk out with you.
(woman on PA
system) Mrs. Smith, 65.
Come on, Grover.
Come on.
No!
[panting]
All right.
Stay. Stay.
[barking]
Grover!
If he falls on that arm...
[chattering]
What did you do that for, boy?
You're not supposed
to run off like...
Rule number one:
never get emotionally
involved with a patient.
Get in.