James O. Page
James O. Page JD (August 7, 1936 – September 4, 2004) was recognized as a leading authority[1] on United States emergency medical services (EMS). Page served in the Los Angeles County Fire Department for 16 years rising to the rank of Battalion Chief. In 1973 he was appointed as the first director of North Carolina's statewide EMS system. North Carolina gained a national reputation for excellence in pre-hospital care during his tenure. In 1975, he was appointed as Executive Director of Lakes Area Emergency Medical Services in Buffalo, NY and spearheaded the development and implementation of the 8-county western New York EMS system.
During the early 1970s Jim Page served as a technical advisor for NBC Television's popular show Emergency! This program captured the US public's imagination and created a public demand for quality pre-hospital care. In 1976 Page took the leadership reins of the ACT Foundation becoming a popular public speaker, advisor, and author of topics in emergency medicine. The character of Johnny Gage, a paramedic that appeared on the series was considered to have been named in honor of Page, although the name had been changed, so as to keep in context.
Page published several books and magazines about the EMS community. He is generally recognized as the official historian of EMS.
References
Further reading
- The Paramedics, Backdraft Publications, 1979, hardcover, 179 pages, #79-89566
- The Magic of 3am, Journal of Emergency Medical Services, 2002, softcover, 177 pages, #0936174137
External links
- Journal of Emergency Medical Services
- James O. Page Biography
- James O. Page Obit in Firehouse Magazine
- Obit in JEMS Magazine
- Obit in Mergeinet
- at Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, LLC Website
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