The four founding fathers of paramedic programs are honored at the inaugural induction ceremony and awards gala on May 8, 2010 at the Historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles, Calif., USA – The County of Los Angeles Fire Museum announced today the induction of Eugene Nagel, MD, Leonard Cobb, MD, J. Michael Criley, MD, and Walter Graf, MD, the four founding fathers of paramedic programs, into the “Pioneers of Paramedicine” exhibit and receipt of the “Pioneers of Paramedicine” Lifetime Achievement Award made possible by founding sponsors, Philips Healthcare and Masimo Corporation.
The “Pioneers of Paramedicine” is a national program created by the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum Association Board of Directors to recognize and honor individuals whose lives and accomplishments exemplify the courage, independence and spirit of innovation that helped shape the development of modern emergency medical services in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to annual recognitions, the project will include a video interview series and a permanent exhibit at the museum’s future home.
“If not for these determined visionaries who saw that the future of emergency medicine lay outside the hallowed walls of the hospital, the idea of paramedics and EMTs saving lives in the field may not have gotten off the ground for another decade. Countless lives would have been needlessly lost. Americans, and the world, owe them a debt of gratitude for their foresight and perseverance,” said Randolph Mantooth, the museum’s honorary chairman. “I extend my personal invitation to everyone in the business of saving lives to join us on May 8 for a once in a lifetime opportunity to pay tribute to the men who are not only responsible for the careers you enjoy, but who are truly the ‘Pioneers of Paramedicine.’”
The development of the paramedicine industry created a niche of device innovation to support emergency professionals in the field. Only a decade ago, many of the lifesaving devices that emergency responders rely on today were only available in hospitals.
According to Masimo Founder and CEO, Joe Kiani, “As a manufacturer of lifesaving medical monitoring devices, arming emergency first responders with the innovative tools they need to save and preserve life has been a top priority. Today, through the Pioneers of Paramedicine, we honor the heroes who have dedicated their lives to saving all of ours. We proudly support and salute the founding fathers of paramedicine.”
“Philips is committed to developing advanced resuscitation products that enable emergency medical professionals to perform lifesaving tasks every day,” said Mike Miller, senior vice president and general manager, Cardiac Care for Philips Healthcare. “We are honored to contribute to the recognition of this important discipline and the people who paved the way.”
The Gala and awards ceremony will be hosted on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California. For additional details about the gala, visit http://www.pioneersofparamedicine.org/gala.html. For tickets, email PioneersofParamedicine@EventsbyOne.com.