Rainn Wilson on ‘Code 3’ and the brutal beauty of EMS life

Editor's Note: Enjoy this bonus episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast featuring special guest Rainn Wilson.  In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, our host, Rob Lawrence, sits down with Hollywood actor Rainn Wilson, who stars as Randy in “Code 3.” Known worldwide for his role as Dwight Schrute in The Office, Wilson has stepped into the world of EMS, portraying the life of a burned-out paramedic with both grit and humor. In the conversation, Wilson reflects on the process of bringing this story to life, his ride-along experiences in Los Angeles, and the powerful realities he uncovered about our profession. More than just a performance, Rainn has become an unexpected advocate for EMS. He speaks candidly about the underfunding of frontline providers, the emotional toll of the work and the sheer humanity that comes with being welcomed into people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. Alongside the serious themes, he reminds us that Code 3 is also a comedy — one that captures the gallows humor, camaraderie and resilience medics carry with them on every shift. | MORE: Why ‘Code 3’ might be the most honest EMS film yet. From a ticking salary counter to fourth-wall confessions, this EMS road movie isn’t just another Hollywood take. It’s a love letter, a warning and a mirror. Memorable quotes from Rainn Wilson “Most of all, I just fell in love with the character of Randy.” “Bottom line, the fact that first responders are getting basically what people that work at Starbucks are getting paid really blew my mind.” “Well, one thing I never thought of, maybe stupidly so, is how vulnerable everything is because you're going into people's homes and they're in crisis.” “I think Rob, no one should be allowed to graduate from high school without their kind of basic CPR training.” “Everything about EMS — the tone, the vibe, the gallows humor, certainly all the technical medical elements, the burnout, the camaraderie, the idea that there's a mission here — they do it because they love it.” “Well, it was an honor to learn about this world and to make a movie that these workers are excited about and proud of.” “I want to say from the bottom of my heart, you know, ‘thank you. Thank you for your work. And, you know, I think it's grossly underappreciated, but, you know, America needs you.’” Episode timeline 00:26 – Rainn Wilson on the vulnerability of entering people’s homes in crisis 00:57 – “All we want to do is save your life. Some of you don’t make it easy.” 02:53 – Rainn’s first impressions of the “Code 3” script 03:38 – Falling in love with the character of Randy 04:22 – Discovering the realities of EMS work and shocking pay disparities 06:09 – Lessons from Wilson’s Los Angeles ride-along 10:12 – Wilson on CPR training and why everyone should learn it 12:29 – “We’re essentially a tube and a pump.” 13:11 – Rehearsals and the importance of portraying EMS medicine accurately 15:09 – On burnout, PTSD and the need to support medics’ mental health 18:08 – Using “Code 3” salary comparison as an advocacy tool 19:07 – Wilson praises Rob Riggle’s ED doctor role and its realism 20:41 – Cherishing the chance to shed light on EMS 21:10 – Reminder that the film is also a comedy — “a good old time with a bucket of popcorn” 22:25 – Final message: “America needs you. Keep saving lives.” Rate and 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 [email protected] to share ideas, suggestions and feedback. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify and RSS feed.

“Code 3” — the action-comedy centered on a paramedic’s life in crisis — hits select theaters this week, and co-writer Patrick Pianezza joins Better Every Shift to detail the behind-the-scenes movie magic that transformed his real-life EMS experiences into an independent film starring Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery and Aimee Carrero. Pianezza, who also served as a volunteer firefighter, shares his process capturing both the pressures and the humanity of EMS work — all wrapped in some seriously dark humor — plus all this: The scene he loves that didn’t make the movie The “Usual Suspects” moment that shifted the tone His push to “go darker” with the humor The medical scene they had to get right — his moviemaking “hill to die on” Read more about Code 3: Why ‘Code 3’ might be the most honest EMS film yet This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback and suggest future guests. 

It’s been a wild week, with several controversial news items hitting inboxes and driving discussions on FireRescue1. Zam and Janelle dig into the stories that have generated hundreds of comments in FR1 forums recently, from the recent arrests of two members of a contracted fire crew in Washington, to one lieutenant’s call to break FDNY fire and EMS into separate services, to departments changing their shift schedules, and more. Check out the resources below and join the conversation: ICE arrests in Washington Federal-level changes impacting firefighters FDNY EMS Shift schedules Shift Scheduling and Sleep Health in Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb – Lambeau Field 9/11 brotherhood Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback and suggest guests for an upcoming episode. 

With FEMA news changing by the day, Chief Marc Bashoor reflects on the current shakeups at the agency as well as the criticisms it faced 20 years ago following Hurricane Katrina. The chief offers insights into why FEMA’s role in disaster response has been misunderstood for years, plus the federal-level changes that could better elevate the role of the fire service. Bashoor urges fire service leaders to speak up about what they need to effectively serve the community — and that includes the impact of losing FEMA funding or programs. “The fire service has not always been one to squeak,” Bashoor notes, calling for firefighters to get more involved where they can, whether at the local, state or federal levels. Resources: Some FEMA staff on leave after ‘statement of opposition’ letter ahead of Katrina anniversary The FEMA Katrina Declaration A timeline of federal program changes impacting the fire service What federal funding is important to you? It’s time for a cabinet-level Department of Emergency Services Congressional Fire Services Institute This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback and suggest future guests. 

Returning (again!) to Better Every Shift, fire service scientist-extraordinaire Dr. Sara Jahnke gets real about the firefighter/research connection: Historically, “we’ve done a sh*tty job translating science to practice” — but that’s changing with the growing movement around Science to the Station, an event that brings together firefighters, researchers and health experts to bridge the gap and form powerful connections. Dr. Jahnke outlines the magic of the S2S event and how all firefighters can get involved, even if you can’t make it to the November event in Colorado. Dr. Jahnke also encourages everyone to participate in a national research study to better understand how sleep patterns and fatigue impact firefighter health and well-being. This study includes career and volunteer firefighters and spouses/partners of volunteer firefighters to ensure the researchers capture the full picture of sleep-related challenges in the fire service. Take the survey. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com. Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback or suggest future guests. 

Fire-Rescue International is underway, and with that comes the leadership handoff at the IAFC. Before Chief Josh Waldo hands the baton to Chief Trisha Wolford, the two return to Better Every Shift to reflect on Waldo’s time as president and what awaits Wolford as she steps into the president’s boots — or really, if you know her, high heels. The chiefs discuss the most common issues they see facing the fire service today, and how leaders can lean on each other for best practices, collaborative partnerships and general support. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share your feedback.

The two smartest Johns in the fire service are digging into the hottest topic in the fire service. Chiefs John Oates and John Tippett unpack the What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey results, tackling the much-debated question of whether safety culture and aggressive tactics can coexist. Spoiler alert: They can! But it’s how they coexist that’s drives this nuanced discussion of training priorities and go/no-go decision-making. Resources: Download: What Firefighters Want in 2025 [eBook] More data: What Firefighters Want This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T, the nationwide dedicated communications platform built to support firefighters like you. Email [email protected] to share your feedback.

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Keith Padgett, who emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent communication from the first-arriving officer to establish command and set the tone for incident operations. He outlines a standard format for initial reports that includes arrival notification, structure description, visible conditions, tactical actions and command declaration. He also highlights the value of practicing these reports in training to build confidence and clarity under pressure. Officers are encouraged to use tools like thermal imaging during the walkaround to identify hidden hazards such as basement fires. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, reduce confusion for incoming units and enhance firefighter safety.

“We can now answer all sorts of questions” about firefighter cancer risks and mitigations, shares Dr. Jeff Burgess, one of the most well-known fire service researchers who is fighting the good fight — for you. Dr. Burgess, who serves as director of the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research at the University of Arizona, details the two major categories where firefighters can take action to reduce their cancer risks — exposure reduction and healthy living — and offers simple steps related to both. Tune in to hear his guidance on the following: PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”) Overhaul and engineers on air Plasma and blood donation Municipal water sources On-scene decon Carpet at the station Resources: Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com. Email [email protected] to share your feedback.

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Deputy Chief Vince Bettinazzi, addressing the critical steps for managing a situation where the incident commander (IC) becomes incapacitated. Bettinazzi emphasizes the importance of preparing for such scenarios, including training and designating backups. He explores the impacts on fireground operations and various strategies for continuity of command, such as transferring responsibilities to other battalion chiefs, safety officers or rapid intervention team officers. The need for clear identification and communication from the IC is highlighted, along with practical solutions to maintain command structure effectively. The episode serves as a prompt for fire departments to develop or review their contingency plans for unexpected IC incapacitation.