'Rescue 911' was the business back in the day!

If you were around in the 1990s, then you will surely remember 'Rescue 911'?

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The hit show was hosted by the great William Shatner and featured stories of real emergencies that involved calls to America's famous 911 helpline.

Shatner would take viewers on a journey into each scenario, which were mainly made up of reenactments, although real footage was used when possible. When available, the real people involved would share their stories.

The show first aired in the USA on 18 April 1989 and ran for seven seasons until 1996.

In remembrance of the hit show which had South Africans glued to their screens back in the day, we take a look at some interesting facts you may not know about the show.

• In New Zealand, authorities had to gain permission to change the name to 'Rescue 111', as people were calling 911 instead of 111 during emergencies after watching the American show.
• While the premise was to show stories of rescues, 32 segments over the seven seasons featured deaths.
• Six books have been written about the stories featured on the show by authors Linda Maron, Alison Hendrie, RM Ferrara, and Julie Motz.
• In 1994, a 'Rescue 911'-themed pinball machine was released. In 2016, that same pinball machine was recreated as a mobile game for Android and iOS devices.
• A number of toys were released during the hype of the show, including model kits of rescue vehicles, a handheld game, slot car sets, and even a toy fire extinguisher.
• In 1990, 'Rescue 911' won the People's Choice Award for 'Favourite New TV Dramatic Series'.
• A once-off 'Rescue 911' show hosted by William Shatner was announced in 2018, but due to logistical issues, it never materialised.

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For those who may have never seen 'Rescue 911' before (!!!), here is what it's all about:

Image Credit: YouTube / Rescue 911