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America's first ambulance service is instituted by the U.S Army
In 1865, America's first ambulance service is created by the U.S. Army. -
America's First City Ambulance Service
In 1869 the first city ambulance service opened in the United States. The ambulances were horse drawn carriages. The service was instituted in New York City by Bellevue Hospital. -
Hot Air Balloons
During the Prussian siege of Paris, hot air balloons were used to transport wounded soldiers. This was the first documented case of aero medical transportation. -
Michael Reese Hospital
Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago began to operate an automobile ambulance. It was capable of speeds up to 16 mph. -
First Ambulance Aircraft
The first known ambulance aircraft was built in North Carolina and tested in Florida. Unfortunately, it failed after flying only 400 yards when it crashed. -
Julien Stanley Wise
Julien Stanley Wise started the first rescue squad Roanoke, VA. It was the first "Life Saving and First Aid Crew" in the nation. -
No Training Required
Prior to WWII hospitals only provided ambulance services to large cities. Because of the shortages because of the war effort, it was difficult for hospitals to maintain the services. Many turned them over to the fire or police departments. No training was required for ambulance personal at this time. -
Helicopters
Helicopters began to be used for medical evacuations during the Korea war. -
Dr. Elan & Dr. Safar
Dr. Elan and Dr. Safer developed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This was essentially the beginning of rescue breathing. -
First Portable Defibrillator, Perfected CPR
Researchers at John's Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD created the first portable defibrillator. This also perfected CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation). CPR is now required for nurses, doctors, lifeguards as well as many others. Many day cares require someone to be trained in CPR. -
Car Accident Deaths
In 1965, more auto accident deaths were reported than in the 8 years of the Vietnam War. There were 50,000 deaths. President L. Johnson signed the National Highway Safety Act, which started the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This group would eventually be in charge of the Emergency Medicine Service. -
Pre-hospital Coronary Care, Minority Transportation
Dr. Pantridge started pre-coronary care in ambulances in Belfast, Ireland. This showed an improvement in patient survivability in out-of-hospital cardiac events.In Pittsburgh, citizens demanded to have ambulance service transport minority citizens. Freedom House Enterprise gave medical training too 44 unemployed 18 - 60 year old men. They gave them 3,000 hours training. This was deemed a success. -
First Mobile Coronary Care Unit, 911
St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City started the first mobile coronary care unit. The program first used by physicians, then paramedics. American Telephone and Telegraph starts to reserve 911 for emergency use. In Virginia, the Virginia Ambulance Law is passed and establishes the state's authority to regulate ambulances, verify first aid training, and issue permits. -
First National Paramedic Program, Medic I, First Out-of-hospital Defibrillation
The Miami, Florida Fire Department started first paramedic program under Dr. Eugene Nagel. First successful out of hospital defibrillation (the patient survived and was neurologically intact).Medic I is created in Seattle by Dr. Leonard Cobb at Harbor View Medical Center and the Seattle Fire department. Medic I is a service based at the hospital and is dispatched only on cardiac related calls. -
First Volunteer Paramedic Program
The Charlottesvill-Albermarle Rescue Squad in Charlottesvill, Virginia started the nation's first volunteer paramedic program under Dr. Richard Crampton. One of their first patients was President Lyndon Johnson, who suffered a heart attach while visiting his son-in-law. -
Emergency!
The debut of the television show Emergency! This contributed to a change in the public attitude concerning the fire and emergency medical care services. At the start of the show there were only 12 medic units in the entire country. Four years later at least 50% of the country was within 10 minutes of a medic unit. -
Helicopter Evacuation Service, Medic II
The Department of Transportation and Department of Defense team up to form a helicopter evacuation service. Medic II instituted to train 100,000 citizens in CPR. The Medic programs train individuals in procedures like CPR, AED and First Aid. Harbor View Medical Venter starts up the nation's most intensive training program for paramedics. The course is 5,000 hours long, compared to 3,600 hours a medical students endures to become a doctor. -
Fight for Life, Star of Life, EMS System Act
St. Anthony's Hospital in Denver starts the nation's first civilian aero medical transport service - Flight for Life.The Star of Life is published by the Department of Transportation. The Star of Life is the Emergency Medicine Symbol.The EMS Systems Act is passed by Congress, which funds 300 regional EMS systems. -
Department of Transportation
A Federal report discloses that less than 50% of the nation's ambulance personnel had completed the Department of Transportation's 81-hour basic training course or its equivalent. -
Specialty, First Nationwide Paramedic Training Course
The American Medical Association recognizes emergency medicine as a specialty. The University of Pittsburgh and Nacy Caroline MD is awarded a contract to develop the first nationwide paramedic training course. -
National Council of EMS Educators
The National Council of EMS Educators is formed. -
Phoenix Fire Department
Phoenix Fire Department implements paramedic engine companies. -
Journal of Emergency Medical Services, American Ambulance Association
The Journal of Emergency Medical Services begins being published. The American Ambulance Association is formed. With all the new foundations, journals and associations being created, EMS is becoming more and more prominent in society. -
The National Registry
The National Registry of EMTs published its first national standard exam for EMT-Intermediates. The National Registry is a test that is the same throughout every state. This allows EMS to standardize the level of ability throughout the country. -
Block grants, Involvement in EMS, Medical Dispatcher Program, AIDS
Direct funding of EMS system by the Federal Government is replaced by block grants.A study shows that 73% of all individuals in the American Fire departments, career and volunteers, are involved in some level of EMS service.In Salt Lake City, Jeff Lawson, MD, comes out with an emergency medical dispatcher program and priority dispatching.Nationwide, the medical community first recognizes AIDS. -
National Association of EMS Physicians
The National Association of EMS Physicians is formed. -
COBRA
The Comprehensive Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is passed by Congress. This affected transfers of patients from Emergency Department to Emergency Department and prevented "dumping" (financially motivated transfers of patients). -
Trauma Care System Planning, Development Act, Fire Department Expands EMS
The Trauma Care System Planning and Development Act is passed by Congress. Fire Department organizations join together in a resolution to expand into EMS. -
American Medical Response stock, Consolidation of private companies, Confusion of 911 and 411
American Medical Response starts to sell stock on the NYSE and starts a nationwide consolidation of the private ambulance companies. Survey shows that nearly half of adults could not identify 911 as the emergency number and often got it confused with 411. -
EMT-P Expanded Role
It is proposed that EMT-Paramedics assume an expanded role in primary care of non-emergent patients by learning expanded skills. -
FDNY
New York City EMS is absorbed by FDNY (New York City Fire Department).
