This dark comedy revolves around the lives of ambulance drivers who work for a small, low-budget Los Angeles company. Bill Cosby plays Mother, the protective and experienced one who takes care of the motley bunch. Raquel Welsh is Jugs, the snooty company secretary who won't give the drivers the time of day. Speed (Harvey Keitel) is the new guy, an ex-cop and Vietnam veteran in trouble with the law for drug dealing. Director Peter Yates (Bullit) and screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz successfully depict the frenetic pace of life for freelance ambulance drivers, with a tone similar to that of M*A*S*H. The film is largely an exploration of the day-to-day experiences of the company crew, and their frequent encounters with unusual characters as they compete with a rival ambulance company to transport injured persons. The subject matter also allows for plenty of action, with car chases scattered throughout the film.