Robert A. Cinader

The latter show in particular was widely credited by observers as one of the most important efforts to promote the widespread adoption of paramedic services by fire departments and hospitals in the U.S. A native New Yorker and an Army veteran, Cinader first wrote for Holiday Magazine, and later became head of the United Nations' publications operation.

While working a stint at Warner Brothers, Cinader was approached by Webb (a former head of the WB TV operation) to assist him in producing his 1967–70 revival of Dragnet, for Universal Studios.

While on that job, he devised a show for Mark VII that told the story of the police beat from the perspective of two LAPD patrol officers.

The show debuted as a mid-season replacement in early 1972, and despite facing the top-rated All in the Family for most of its run on Saturday nights, Emergency!

Cinader eventually became its executive producer; during the 1973–74 season, he also helmed Mark VII's Chase, a similar adventure-based show.

"[2] Cinader became so identified with the paramedic movement that he received an appointment to the local Emergency Medical Services Commission.