Virtual Museum EMS History

Possibly the most recognizable of all the founding figures of EMS, James O. Page had a career in public service throughout the latter half of the 20th century that veritably is the history of EMS during that time: Los Angeles County Fire Department EMS innovator, advisor to the TV show Emergency!, director of the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation, early proponent of citizen CPR, North Carolina EMS director, magazine founder, EMS advocate, attorney, prolific speaker and educator. Page began his lifelong relationship with EMS as an L.A. County firefighter.

During his fire career in the late 1950s and 1960s, he rose quickly through the ranks and also finished his undergraduate and law degrees. In 1971, just as a number of large cities were considering the innovative concept of training medics to take on roles previously carried out by doctors, Page coordinated the countywide implementation of paramedic rescue services through the L.A. County Fire Department. As one of this new breed of emergency responders, he was asked to be a technical consultant for the groundbreaking TV program Emergency!

In 1973, he resigned from LACFD to accept the new position of chief of EMS for the state of North Carolina, and in 1976 he was selected as executive director of the nonprofit ACT Foundation. During the 1970s, Page both wrote for EMS Magazine and served on its editorial advisory board, going on to found the Journal of Emergency Medical Services in 1979. By 1984 Page had returned to the California fire service while maintaining a leadership role in JEMS.

He retired as fire chief for the city of Monterey Park in 1989 and returned to full-time service as chair and CEO of JEMS Communications. While serving as publisher emeritus of JEMS, Page assisted in founding the EMS law firm Page, Wolfberg and Wirth. His legacy also includes establishing an EMS educational foundation at Palomar College near San Diego. Up until his death, Page continued to be one of the most eloquent and articulate advocates for the field of EMS.

Last Revision Date: 6/10/08 - 4:47 PM