History

In 1969, Dr. Leonard Cobb and Seattle Fire Chief Gordon Vickery initiated a program to test two 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 showed that the answer to both questions was “yes,” and Medic One became a permanent community service.

Since the first run on March 7, 1970, Medic One services have expanded from one vehicle in Seattle to a region-wide network of pre-hospital medical treatment and paramedic training; from a local effort to treat cardiac patients to a national and international influence on how to provide effective field service to victims of catastrophic health and trauma events.

By 1975, Dr. Michael Copass had taken on the new role of Director of the Medic One Paramedic Training Program. Under his leadership, the program expanded beyond cardiac care to include trauma, obstetrics, pediatric care and more. Together Drs. Cobb and Copass, with assistance from other physicians and EMS leaders, created a top-tier, lifesaving service.

Since 1970, hundreds of paramedics have been trained and countless lives saved. The Medic One training program has strengthened emergency medical response throughout the state of Washington.

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: