Trending Topics

Paramedicine pioneer dies at 98

Dr. Walter Graf is credited for proposing and piloting the first paramedic program

drwaltergraf 300.jpg

Dr. Walter Graf, the “Pioneer of Paramedicine”, died Oct. 18.

LOS ANGELES — The “Pioneer of Paramedicine”, Dr. Walter Graf, died on Oct. 18. He was 98.

Until the 1960s, ambulances were merely a mean of transportation. Graf was one of those responsible for creating paramedicine as we know it today.

Graf proposed and piloted the idea of what we now call ambulances in 1969.

He was a cardiologist, as well as the founder and 20-year director of the Daniel Freeman Paramedic Program, the first nationally accredited paramedic education program.

Graf is survived by his wife Joan, his 9 children, 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, the Los Angeles Times reported.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU