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: ‘Code 3’: A love letter to fire and EMS. Co-writer Patrick Pianezza details the movie magic that transformed a homework assignment into an independent film
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.’”
| SPECIAL REPORT: What Firefighters Want in 2025. More than 1,600 firefighters weigh in on the perennial debate about whether aggressive tactics and safety culture are mutually exclusive
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.”
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