Code 3 Creator Patrick Pianezza on EMS Burnout, Culture, and the Experiences that Shaped the Film

In this special episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball are joined by Patrick Pianezza, co-writer and creator of the film Code 3.

Patrick shares the real-world EMS experiences that inspired the movie, from burnout and dark humor to low pay, private ambulance work, and the emotional toll of prehospital medicine. The conversation dives into EMS culture, patient experience, tension between prehospital and hospital staff, and why Code 3 resonates so strongly with paramedics, EMTs, and emergency clinicians.

This episode explores why EMS burnout is so common, how storytelling can validate first responder experiences, and why accurate representation of emergency medicine matters. It’s an honest discussion about the realities of working in EMS and why supporting first responders is more important than ever.