History

History of the Medic One Foundation

The Medic One Foundation was established in 1974, born out of the community’s extraordinary response to a pressing need. When the original grant funding for the Medic One program ended earlier than expected,Seattle Fire Chief Gordon Vickery and Dr. Leonard Cobb turned to the community for help. Despite initial challenges, their call for support sparked a remarkable grassroots movement—raising nearly $200,000 through efforts like bake sales, marathons, and even children donating their birthday money. This overwhelming support not only funded the program for the remaining years but also inspired Dr. Cobb, along with a group of dedicated physicians and community leaders, to establish the Medic One Foundation.

The Foundation was created with a mission to secure long-term funding and expansion for the Medic One program, ensuring that Seattle and King County could have the best emergency medical services. Over the past 50 years, the Medic One Foundation has been a cornerstone in the development and enhancement of pre-hospital emergency care, investing over $35 million in grants and programs that improve patient outcomes and save lives. This includes funding the rigorous 10-month paramedic training program, supporting innovative research, and providing critical life-saving equipment.

The Foundation’s commitment to excellence has helped Seattle and King County achieve some of the highest cardiac arrest survival rates in the world. Its ongoing dedication to innovation, training, and community education ensures that paramedics are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to provide the highest level of care in emergencies. Today, the Medic One Foundation continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of emergency medical services, upholding a legacy of saving lives and supporting the community.

History of Medic One

In 1969, Dr. Leonard Cobb and Seattle Fire Chief Gordon Vickery initiated a groundbreaking program to answer two critical questions: Is it possible to save the lives of critically ill patients outside of a hospital? And, can we train non-physicians to provide advanced care under the remote direction of a physician? Within two years, they demonstrated that the answer to both questions was a resounding “yes,” leading to the establishment of Medic One as a permanent community service.

The first Medic One run took place on March 7, 1970, with a single vehicle operating in Seattle. Since then, Medic One services have expanded dramatically, evolving into a region-wide network that provides pre-hospital medical treatment and paramedic training. What began as a local effort to treat cardiac patients has grown into a model of emergency medical care that has influenced national and international practices for managing catastrophic health and trauma events in the field.

By 1975, Dr. Michael Copass had assumed the role of Director of the Medic One Paramedic Training Program, bringing a new level of expertise and leadership. Under his direction, the program expanded beyond its initial focus on cardiac care to include comprehensive training in trauma, obstetrics, pediatric care, and more. Together, Drs. Cobb and Copass, along with a dedicated team of physicians and EMS leaders, built Medic One into a top-tier, lifesaving service.

Since its inception in 1970, hundreds of paramedics have been rigorously trained through the Medic One program, significantly strengthening emergency medical response throughout the state of Washington. The impact of this training is immeasurable, with countless lives saved thanks to the skills and expertise of Medic One paramedics. Today, Medic One continues to set the standard for emergency medical services, exemplifying a legacy of innovation, dedication, and excellence in pre-hospital care.

Medic One is an International Model

The Medic One Guest Book includes the names of people from all over the globe. Representatives from the following states, provinces, and nations have visited Medic One to learn what makes the program so successful.

North American Visitors:

International Visitors: