Founding Father

By FlaFan

Roy's angle before and during "The Wedsworth-Townsend Act," up until the time he and Johnny walk over to Squad 51 for the first time.

Note: Though "Emergency!" went on the air in January, 1972, this story follows the real-life timeline of initial paramedic training and the law's passage.

July 20, 1969

"Isn't it something?" Joanne DeSoto asked as she sat by her husband in front of the television.

"It really is," replied Roy DeSoto, putting his arm around his wife.

"That's one small step for….man, one giant leap for mankind," they heard Neil Armstrong say.

"Boy," said Roy, shaking his head. "Imagine walking on the moon."

Joanne smiled at him. "Want to go?" she asked.

Roy chuckled. "It is a tempting thought today, isn't it?" he asked. He smiled at Joanne and softly put a hand on her large belly. "Maybe this little one will get that chance."

"Wouldn't that be incredible?" Joanne asked.

As the DeSotos continued to watch Armstrong describe the moon, Roy thought about his own progression.

Ever since he was 16 and an engine crew had come to speak at his high school, Roy had wanted to be a firefighter. No sooner had he graduated from Norwalk High School than he went straight to the fire academy.

Graduating at the top of his class, he went to C shift at Station 20 in Norwalk. He and Joanne, who had been his girlfriend since 4th grade, were getting ready to marry.

Then Uncle Sam came calling. Roy spent two years as an Army medic in Vietnam, facing more horrors and hairy situations than he cared to count – and writing letters to Joanne as they postponed their vows.

He came back and finally walked down the aisle with Joanne. He also went back to Station 20 – this time to A shift as a rescue man.

Next month, Roy and Joanne were expecting their first child. Roy was content.

But….

Since he'd come back from Vietnam, Roy had a sense that he could do more as a fireman and rescuer.

As a medic, he had assisted at Batallion Aid stations. He felt that he'd played a significant part in the medical treatment the soldiers were getting.

As a rescue man, though, Roy sometimes felt more like a delivery man – taking wounded people to Harbor General or Rampart General and leaving them as if he was bringing loaves of bread.

He would follow up, ask the staff how the patients were doing. Some, such as Dixie McCall, the head nurse at Rampart Emergency, were accommodating. Dixie had served with a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit during the Korean War. When she heard about Roy's Vietnam service, she'd taken him under her wing like a kid brother.

Then there were people like Dr. Kelly Brackett, the crusty head of Rampart Emergency. He constantly referred to Roy and his colleagues as "hose jockeys" – a term none of them particularly liked.

Roy was among those who heard the whispers of a romantic relationship between Brackett and Dixie. Boy, talk about opposites attracting….

Personally, he was rooting for Dixie to soften the doc up.

"A penny for your thoughts, Sweetie," Joanne interrupted. "On the moon with Neil Armstrong?"

Roy chuckled. "Would you believe on earth with Nurse Dixie McCall and Dr. Kelly Brackett?" he asked.

Joanne laughed. "Are they on the grapevine?" she asked. She'd met Dixie, but not Brackett.

"I think they run the grapevine," Roy replied.

"Are you thinking again about what more you might do as a rescue man?" Joanne asked. Roy nodded.

He sighed. "Too often, it doesn't seem like enough," he said. "Not after what I experienced in Vietnam."

"You'll figure it out," said his wife with a smile, and kissed him on the cheek. "I suspect it won't involve landing on the moon."

The next day

"DeSoto?"

"Yes, Cap?"

"Can you step into my office for a few minutes?"

"Sure."

Roy wondered what Captain Murphy wanted to talk to him about. He was surprised when he entered the office and saw Battalion Chief Conrad. He stood at attention.

"At ease, DeSoto," said Conrad, stepping forward to shake hands with Roy. "Have a seat."

"Yes, Sir."

"Do you know why you're here?"

"No, Sir."

Conrad sat back down. "The department has a new project it's working on," he said. "We'd like you to be a part of it."

"New project?" Roy was puzzled.

"Yes," Conrad said. "It's a paramedic program."

Roy thought for a moment. He'd been reading in the newspaper about studies of whether improved medical care on the scene could help those who were rescued. There was already a program in Miami, Florida. He mentioned that to Conrad. "Is that what it's about, Chief?" he asked.

"Yes, that's right," replied Conrad, looking pleased that Roy seemed to know about it. "You were a medic in Vietnam, right, DeSoto?"

"Yes, Chief."

"What did that involve, exactly?"

"Well, we learned how to give shots, start IVs and draw blood, treat various wounds," Roy said.

"Did you do so?" Conrad asked.

"A few times, yes," Roy responded. He hoped Conrad wouldn't ask him to go into details he would rather not recall.

Conrad just nodded. "That makes you perfect for this program, DeSoto – if you choose to enter."

Roy bit his lip in contemplation. "Really?" he asked. "Are doctors going to want firemen – uh, paramedics - to have that kind of responsibility?"

Conrad chuckled. "Well, we have caught flak from some doctors – but others are very receptive, including the Emergency staff at Harbor General. That's where the first class of paramedics will be trained."

The battalion chief watched the young man, who was deep in thought. "DeSoto, I know you and your wife are expecting soon."

"Yes, Chief." Roy beamed. "Next month."

"Well, the first class will begin in September," said Conrad with a smile. "So maybe you'll have gotten through those first midnight feedings by then."

Two calls made Roy put aside thoughts about the training program until his shift was over. He changed clothes, got into his Porsche and turned on the radio.

"Guys talk…..girl talk…..It happens everywhere….."

Roy frowned. He loved Andy Williams' music, but this song – "Music To Watch Girls By" – was about his least favorite. Too close to rock and roll for Roy's liking.

He ignored it and thought once more about the paramedic training. Was it what he wanted?

"There'll be no raise in pay, at least as long as it's not officially approved," Chief Conrad had warned him.

That wouldn't help him or Joanne with that new mouth they'd have to feed soon.

But the duties were exactly what he wanted. The ability to help save lives at the scene, rather than the constant roll of the dice on whether they'd get the patients to the hospital in time.

There would still be that challenge too many times, Roy knew. But at least the ability to provide some additional assistance would improve the odds.

If they were allowed to give that help….

"Honey, this seems to fit what you've been wanting to do, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, Joanne, but – "

"Are you thinking about the salary?" Joanne asked. Roy nodded.

"Well, Roy, if this law gets approved, and you're trained as a paramedic, you'll probably get more money, won't you?"

Roy smirked. "IF this law gets approved," he echoed. "Maybe." Maybe.

"Well, they'll approve it at some point," Joanne assured her husband. "We just went to the moon, so you can't stop progress."

As Roy thought about this, Joanne rested her head on his shoulder. "Say, Roy. You're going to deliver babies if you're a paramedic, aren't you?"

"Maybe."

She grinned. "Maybe you'll get to practice on me," she joked.

"That's a scary thought," he joked back and kissed her head.

They were quiet for a moment. "So, when do you start the training?" Joanne asked slyly.

"September."

Roy paused a moment, then looked at his wife.

Joanne nodded. "Yes, Dear." She grinned. "You have committed yourself to this."