EMS has evolved significantly since the Good Samaritan provided first aid in 1500 BC. The Flying Ambulance designed in 1797 helped treat soldiers on the battlefield. Baron Larrey is considered the father of triage and modern EMS, designing medical supply kits and ambulances. The first official ambulance services began in the US in the 1860s-1870s. Advancements like CPR in the 1960s improved pre-hospital care. Today, paramedics can perform many advanced life-saving procedures in the field like intubation, chest tubes, and medications that were once only done in hospitals. EMS now brings emergency medical care directly to the patient.

1. EMS By Scurry County EMS

2. 1500 BC The Good Samaritan “When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.” – Luke 10 Protocols? Standard of Care?

3. Good Samaritan Laws / Acts Laws which protect LAYPERSONS, from legal ramifications of negligence or injury, should they choose to render aide to other’s, in good faith or with lack of malicious intent. “Ignorance is a simple relief. The non-ignorant must suffer the weight of their enlightenment.” - Jimmy Pearl of Wisdom: Remember – The mightiest waterfall on Earth, began with but a single drop of rain.

4. 1797 – The Flying Ambulance Designed by Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey, chief physician in Napoleon’s army. A method of getting to injured soldiers and treating them, in the midst of battle, was a necessity to survival. "When a limb is carried away by a ball, by the burst of a grenade, or a bomb, the most prompt amputation is necessary. The least delay endangers the life of the wounded....I may even assert, that without the assistance of the flying ambulance...a great number would have died from this cause alone.“ – Barron Dominigue Jean Larrey

5. Barron Dominique Jean Larrey (8 July 1766 - 25 July 1842) Designed and constructed the Flying Ambulance. Designed the first compartmented kits for medical supplies and surgical tools. Father of Triage – Treated patient’s based on severity of their injuries, with no regard to their age, rank, nationality, or affiliation. “Ambulance” - Queen Isabella of Spain in the 15th century. Referred to a tent where the injured were treated, until Larrey’s use of the word. Waterloo : 1815 The Duke of Wellington was so impressed with the bravery of Larrey and his men, in treating the wounded under fire, he ordered his men to not fire in the direction of Larrey and his men, saying “give the brave man time to gather up the wounded.”

6. First Ambulance Services (U.S.) 1865 – Cincinnati Ohio & 1869 – New York City, New York Hospital interns rode in horse drawn carriages to treat the sick and injured. 1958 – Mouth-to-mouth taught to rescuers. 1960 – CPR was publicized. 1973 – National EMS recognition and standards began. 1981 – Federal funding available for EMS growth and development. 1991 – Accreditation standards set for EMS services. Now – What now???

7. What does it all mean? Where does it leave us?

8. HERE! NOW!

9. Advanced and Critical Care Right at the scene or doorstep.

10. Life saving skills no longer reserved for a hospital setting. Oxygen, Ventilation, CPR, Intubation, Chest Tubes, IV insertion, Drug Assisted Airway, 12 Lead Interpretation, Medications, Surgical Cricothyrotomy, Chest Decompression, and More….. Bringing Emergency Medicine to you since 1500 B.C.