A Lifesaving Legacy: Honoring Dr. Michael K. Copass
This past September, over 1,000 people gathered at the Museum of Flight to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Michael K. Copass. Colleagues, paramedics, family, and friends shared heartfelt tributes, celebrating the man whose vision transformed emergency medical care and saved countless lives.
Dr. Copass, who passed away last summer, was a trailblazer in emergency medicine. He joined the University of Washington in 1969 and became Director of Emergency Services at Harborview Medical Center in 1973, a role he held for 35 years.
A driving force behind Seattle’s Medic One program, Dr. Copass helped shape its rigorous paramedic training, which became a national model for pre-hospital care. In 1975, he became Director of Harborview’s Paramedic Training Program, mentoring generations of paramedics who continue to provide lifesaving care to the community.
His commitment extended far beyond Seattle. In 1982, he founded Airlift Northwest, inspired by a critical incident in Alaska where timely air transport was unavailable for a severely burned child. Since then, Airlift Northwest has transported over 4,500 patients per year, ensuring remote communities have access to lifesaving care.
Dr. Copass served on the Medic One Foundation board from 1978 to 2013, including as president from 2005 to 2008. During his tenure, he played a critical role in securing funding for lifesaving research and development, as well as providing scholarships that allowed smaller communities to train their personnel in the paramedic program.
The tributes at his memorial reflected his immense contributions and his lasting legacy. Though his passing leaves a tremendous void, Dr. Copass’ enduring legacy lives on in the paramedics he trained, the lives he saved, and the programs he built. His dedication to service, innovation, and compassion will continue to inspire future generations.
Though you are gone, you will never be forgotten. Portable 55, out.
