You're right, sort of, but a specific event caused the code to be written. And it wasn't for for fire/EMS personnel to get in...it was for customers to get out.

The 1942 Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire in Boston killed 492 people. The only front entrance was a revolving door, which quickly filled with panicked customers and jammed, blocking their escape. Firefighters actually had to dismantle it to gain access. Other exit doors were locked, or get this - WELDED shut to keep people from skipping on their bills. Other doors opened inward, making them nearly impossible to open against the crowd of people frantically trying to escape.

Found out while observing flight attendant training in my old job that they're trained to designate a person to keep people back while opening emergency exits, which open inward on many jets. Some open up or sideways into the fuselage, like a pocket door. Airliner doors are generally plug-type doors. After the cabin pressurizes, plug-type doors literally can't open. Those dramatic stories about someone trying to open a door at altitude? BS. King Kong couldn't open a plug door against the pressure differential at altitude.

The only ones I know of that open outward are the overwing exits on the latest 737-series jets. Poor-quality shot but you get the idea: