EPISODE · May 27, 2026 · 54 MIN
Tom Putnam and Steve Martin - Into The Unknown - Filmmaker - Executive Producer - HC0070
from HAZARD CLASS · host Jake Ryks
Jake sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Tom Putnam and retired Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Chief Steve Martin to discuss their groundbreaking documentary Into the Unknown: A Paramedic’s Journey. Known for the award-winning firefighter documentaries Burn and Burn X, Tom Putnam returns with an unfiltered, emotionally charged look at the realities of modern EMS and paramedicine in America. The film follows paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and emergency responders across multiple U.S. departments, capturing real emergency calls, mental health struggles, staffing shortages, PTSD, and the growing pressures placed on first responders. Throughout the conversation, Jake, Tom, and Steve dive deep into the challenges facing the American EMS system, including burnout, increasing call volumes, broken healthcare safety nets, and the emotional toll of repeated trauma exposure. They also discuss the years-long process of filming inside active emergency scenes, overcoming HIPAA and legal barriers, and creating a documentary that authentically portrays life on the ambulance without sensationalism. The episode highlights how Into the Unknown aims to educate the public, support mental health awareness for first responders, improve EMS recruitment, and provide lawmakers and communities with an honest look at what paramedics face every day. Tom and Steve also explain the film’s Kickstarter campaign, plans for theatrical screenings, digital release strategy, and how fire departments and communities can help bring the documentary to audiences nationwide.FILM LINKS:www.intotheunknowndoc.comhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/intotheunknowndoc/into-the-unknown-the-paramedic-documentarySponsor Links:www.haixusa.comwww.rigakuanalytical.com
What this episode covers
Jake sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Tom Putnam and retired Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Chief Steve Martin to discuss their groundbreaking documentary Into the Unknown: A Paramedic’s Journey. Known for the award-winning firefighter documentaries Burn and Burn X, Tom Putnam returns with an unfiltered, emotionally charged look at the realities of modern EMS and paramedicine in America. The film follows paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and emergency responders across multiple U.S. departments, capturing real emergency calls, mental health struggles, staffing shortages, PTSD, and the growing pressures placed on first responders. Throughout the conversation, Jake, Tom, and Steve dive deep into the challenges facing the American EMS system, including burnout, increasing call volumes, broken healthcare safety nets, and the emotional toll of repeated trauma exposure. They also discuss the years-long process of filming inside active emergency scenes, overcoming HIPAA and legal barriers, and creating a documentary that authentically portrays life on the ambulance without sensationalism. The episode highlights how Into the Unknown aims to educate the public, support mental health awareness for first responders, improve EMS recruitment, and provide lawmakers and communities with an honest look at what paramedics face every day. Tom and Steve also explain the film’s Kickstarter campaign, plans for theatrical screenings, digital release strategy, and how fire departments and communities can help bring the documentary to audiences nationwide.FILM LINKS:www.intotheunknowndoc.comhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/intotheunknowndoc/into-the-unknown-the-paramedic-documentarySponsor Links:www.haixusa.comwww.rigakuanalytical.com
NOW PLAYING
Tom Putnam and Steve Martin - Into The Unknown - Filmmaker - Executive Producer - HC0070
No transcript for this episode yet