Reposted from EMR-ISAC
National First Responder’s Day was observed this week on Oct. 28. For several years, this day has been recognized with congressional resolutions, state and local government resolutions, other accolades, plus discounts and promotions at stores and restaurants.
The day honors the service and sacrifice of those working in all public safety disciplines for answering the call in their communities. The following is a selection of recent documentaries that were either created by first responders or in collaboration with members of the public safety community. These films showcase the work first responders do every day and the issues that are important to them.
(2023) Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat - Presented by John Deere in association with the National Volunteer Fire Council, HoldFast Features, and Vignette. Follow the inspiring journey of the most remarkable neighbors whose help you hope you never need - volunteer firefighters - as they encounter heart-breaking challenges and exhilarating triumphs to fulfill a single mission: serving their community. Heart-warming, humorous, and thrilling, this sweeping portrait of bravery will capture your heart and inspire.
(2023) Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire - Filmed across the West and narrated by Golden Globe and Emmy nominated actor David Oyelowo, this documentary takes viewers on a journey with the top experts in the nation to better understand fire. The film follows the harrowing escape from Paradise, California as the town ignited from wind-driven embers and burned within a few hours of the fire's start. It then continues to the even more recent fires of the last two years, when Oregon, California and Colorado suffered their worst wildfires in recorded history.
(2023) Every 20 Years: Wildland Fires in San Bernardino County. Approximately every 20 years, a large campaign fire takes place in the San Bernardino County mountains. This short documentary examines the recurring pattern of wildfires in the San Bernardino Mountains. Through historical context and personal narratives, this film sheds light on the challenges faced by firefighters, residents, and first responders as they contend with these large fires. It underscores the importance of preparedness and defensible space in mitigating wildfire risks for residents in this disaster-prone region.
(2023) Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis - Narrated by six-time Golden Globe and two-time Primetime Emmy award winning actress Sarah Jessica Parker and endorsed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT). A documentary film exploring the world of EMTs and Paramedics, the collapse of the EMS system, and what needs to be done to save it.
(2024) Burned: Protecting the Protectors - A collaboration between Ethereal Films, the Last Call Foundation, Footpath Pictures, and producer Mark Ruffalo. BURNED is a public service announcement to firefighters everywhere. It tells the true story of how the spouse of a firefighter revealed significant exposure to forever chemicals affecting the fire community.
(2024) Through the Smoke – Created by Zach Hamelton and the Haines City (Florida) Fire Department. This 10-episode documentary series features the Haines City firefighters and command staff's day-to-day life, including what happens both on and off calls. It will dispel some common misconceptions about the fire service and will showcase the first responders themselves and their unique personalities.
