A supplement to Table of 3 At Home with Jim Jane Page offers a glimpse at the man behind the uniform By Jane Page Contents 4 Lasting Legacy 16 Bucking the System The life & times of Jim Page As North Carolina’s first state EMS director, By A.J. Heightman Jim faced down politicians & changed the face of EMS By William K. Atkinson, PhD, MPH, EMT-P 5 The Gravity of Charm Never underestimate the power of sincerity 19 A Class ACT By Michelle Garrido Jim Page’s push for improved cardiac care By Mary Newman 6 First, He Changed Everything Jim’s fire service colleagues celebrate his life, 21 A Real Page Turner legacy & vision of what the fire service could be Jim’s vision & persistence result in launch of JEMS Kick the Big Door Wide Open By Keith Griffiths By Alan V. Brunacini, Chief, Phoenix Fire Department 24 Tipping the Scales You Can Go Home Again As an attorney, Jim fought to protect the interests By Tim Murphy, Chief, of the individual provider & firefighter Monterey Park Fire Department By Doug Wolfberg, JD, & Steve Wirth, JD The Glass Half Empty By John Price, Captain (ret.), 26 The Man & His Machines Los Angeles County Fire Department Showcasing Jim’s passion for the preservation & restoration of antique fire apparatus 10 The Road Less Traveled By Paul Schneider Jim Page’s amazing tour of small-town fire & EMS By Jeff Berend 28 What We Remember Jim’s spirit lives on in his family, friends & colleagues 12 Lights! Camera! Sirens! Action! Jim Page’s impact on Emergency! & its influence over 30 A Fitting Tribute early paramedic system development worldwide Memorial service honors the ‘father of modern EMS’ By A.J. Heightman & Richard Yokley By Kristi Savino

Legacy of James O. Page An editorial supplement to JEMS and FireRescue Magazine Publisher/General Manager Jeff Berend Associate Publisher Tim Francis Editors A.J. Heightman & Michelle Garrido Senior Editor Keri Losavio Production Manager Michael Magabilin Supplement Art Director Jason Pelc Cover Design Liliana Estep Graphics Designer Kristy D. Enlow Contributing Photographers Glen Ellman, the Page family, Tom Page, Bryan Sakamoto and others Subscriber Services Manager Kevin Flanagan Marketing Director Debbie Murray Sales Representatives Sheri Collins, Cheryl Kaufman, Steve Skinner Jems Staff Dawn Barrett-Smith, Lisa A. Bell, Olga Berdial, Liz Coyle, Hilary Crocker, Cindy Devone-Pacheco, Christine Erickson, Janelle Foskett, Marion Angell Garza, Jed Henson, Zach Manuel, Lynn Papenhausen, Mary Ryan, Kristi Savino, Laura Smith, Erica Tower, Kathy Whitehead, Elizabeth Zook Founding Editor Keith Griffiths

Legacy of James O. Page is published by Jems Communications, 525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495; 800/266-5367 (fed. ID #13-935377). Copyright 2005 Elsevier Inc. No material may be reproduced or uploaded on computer network services without the expressed permission of the publisher. Subscription information: To subscribe to a Jems Communications publication, visit www.jems.com. Advertising information: Rates are available on request. Contact Jems Communications Advertising Department at 525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495; 800/266-5367.

2 James O. Page Legacy By Jane Page At Home with Jim Jane Page offers a glimpse at the man behind the uniform

im Page may have spent his our grandchildren and friends for the life in the public eye, but there Christmas afternoon ride in his fire was a place he called home. engine. The world never saw Jim trying J Home was his haven, his inspi- to be a “grill chef,” walking the dog or ration and where his heart resided. A enjoying the quiet times. We were for- bouquet of flowers when he was away tunate to travel the many backroads of or a card under a pillow always America in our RV and admire and reminded me that he missed being bask in the beauty of our country. The Jim and Jane attend a black-tie affair. Jim home and being together. Jim was my silent moments when we could enjoy described Jane as, “the lady who has made husband, best friend and confidant. each other’s company … memories are it all possible. She has kept the home fires We were blessed with four wonderful priceless and never fade. They will burning and cheerfully supported me through ... thousands of days and nights children and six magnificent grand- remain in my heart forever. when I was away on the business of EMS.” children … all made us so proud. Jim worked with his electronic assis- The fire/EMS world, although never tant (his computer) daily, receiving far from our thoughts, never saw our messages and sending typical “Jim Page enjoyment in walking on the beach, Pearls of Wisdom” messages. decorating a Christmas tree or taking Titles meant nothing to Jim. He

Jim’s power of recollection amazed me. He remembered names; he remembered dates. Jim’s favorite running path–the Carlsbad (CA) shoreline.

enjoyed people and sharing their mes- sages, especially when they were receptive to new and proactive con- cepts. Jim’s power of recollection amazed me. He remembered names; he remembered dates: Ask what he was doing June 16, 1984, and he could relate in great detail that partic- ular day. Amazing! Jim loved running miles in shorts and shoes on sunny winter days at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. He loved his life. He loved his family, and we loved him in return. Jim left all of us a legacy to live and love life as he did. The smile, the laughter, the gentle touch. I’m so very Grandpa Jim holds his very first granddaughter, Olivia Page. Grandma Jane holds their two thankful we had our time to share. He littlest grandchildren, Megan Page and Dylan Ries. Pondering the new pecking order is is missed. JOP grandson Derek Ries, sitting and playing by himself.

James O. Page Legacy 3 By A.J. Heightman, Editor, JEMS Lasting Legacy The life & times of Jim Page

hortly after the Sept. 16, 2004, in the Los Angeles County Fire his project in New York and moved to memorial service for Jim Page, Department (LACoFD), who often told Basking Ridge, N.J., where he took over where 1,000 friends, family him to stop his push for change. leadership of the Advanced Coronary members and colleagues had But Jim was driven by his vision and Treatment (ACT) Foundation and pro- Sgathered to honor him, I traveled to the continued to push. He was a crafty duced programs, documents and films East Coast to speak at a large confer- opportunist, restless and impatient with that put ALS and CPR in front of, and ence. When Jim’s death was acknowl- rusty traditions and relentless in his on the minds of, the American public. It edged at a keynote address, I heard a pursuit of changes that could save lives was here that Jim produced the award- young EMT sitting near me whisper to and improve the service we render to winning film, A Life in Your Hands. her friend, “Who was Jim Page?” our “customers.” While at the ACT Foundation, Jim Answering that question in a few The TV series Emergency! is an exam- made a decision that would forever words is like trying to contain the mer- ple of how Jim seized an opportunity to change the EMS profession. He decided cury from a broken thermometer in one showcase the new LACoFD paramedic to launch a professional journal to spread place. Yes, he was a lifelong firefighter, a teams, cement their role in the depart- the word about good (and bad) occur- dedicated fire chief, an innovative ment and show the American public the rences in EMS system development. This administrator, a prolific author, a com- level of prehospital care they could (and decision resulted in the birth of JEMS. manding speaker, a generous and articu- should) have available to them. Jim wanted JEMS to offer clinical and late attorney, and a loving husband, Jim was never afraid to move on when administrative content that readers could not get anywhere else. To do this, he recruited the sharpest, and sometimes Jim was able to convince his peers that most controversial, people to write for they could do much more. the journal. This led to watershed articles on such topics as emergency medical dis- father and grandfather. But for those he felt he had achieved as much as he patch (1981), system status management who didn’t know him, a few more words could in his positions. In L.A. County, (1982), do-not-resuscitate orders (1983), are needed to explain who Jim Page was. when his superiors told him his involve- interim standards for AEDs (1985), Foremost, Jim was always a compas- ment in the show Emergency! and his provider stress and suicide (1988), the sionate public servant who had an unpar- push for paramedics and improved EMS need for a reevaluation of the role fire alleled vision for improving and delivery had likely cost him the opportu- departments played in EMS (1989), the expanding EMS and the fire service. nity for further advancement in the impact of violence on emergency respon- Impressed as a child with the role fire- LACoFD, Jim left the department and ders (1990), the evaluation of care fighters played in his community, he moved on to another challenge as chief through continuous quality improvement longed to be one. With his trademark tra- of the North Carolina Office of EMS. (1993) and many others. dition of precision planning and timing, Although not fully appreciated at the JEMS also offered Jim a unique Jim filled out his application for the time, programs Jim launched in North platform to use his wisdom, wit and Monterey Park (Calif.) Fire Department Carolina would later become examples experience to editorialize on employer on his 21st birthday. As a firefighter, he for the rest of the country. But when he injustices, bureaucratic quagmires, soon realized that the public often called would not back down on his push for inconsistent curricula, innovative pro- us for assistance at the most unusual EMT training and refused to allow oral grams and boneheaded concepts. He had times and for the most unusual reasons. examinations for EMT candidates who the rare ability to weave words into a pow- As a visionary and innovator, Jim was couldn’t read, he was forced to resign erful punch when necessary and earned able to convince his peers, in his subtle under political pressure. Discouraged the respect and admiration of both friend but calculated manner, that they could but not defeated, Jim took a position as and foe. NAEMT honored him by dub- do much more than just quell the red executive director for Lakes Area EMS, bing JEMS “The Conscience of EMS.” devil at a structure fire. He led by exam- Buffalo, N.Y., and served as chief admin- This special legacy document allows ple, showing that performing CPR, tak- istrator of a federally funded project to us to give you a more complete picture of ing blood pressures and administering upgrade and improve emergency services Jim Page and what his vision, devotion oxygen could enhance service and the in an eight-county region of upstate New and achievements have meant for you, public’s image of firefighters. York. This job left a lasting impression on me and countless providers, administra- While advancing these new tech- Jim, showing him the unique aspects of tors and patients throughout the world. niques and tools, Jim was often viewed EMS offered by volunteer agencies. He has left this earth, but his spirit and as a rebel by some of his fellow officers In December 1973, Jim completed mission will remain with us forever. JOP

4 James O. Page Legacy By Michelle Garrido, Editor, FireRescue Magazine The Gravity of Charm

Never underestimate the power of sincerity

ry to describe the Grand Where are you from?” After a five- helped the über-experienced relive the Canyon to someone who’s minute conversation, those shy, nervous joy of seeing the fire department as a never seen it, and you’ll firefighters would leave the booth feel- new thing. He always said he was a com- likely fall woefully short. ing proud, inspired and self-assured. pany officer at heart. TWords, pictures, movies—none of them Jim’s time and attention helped people Jim was proud of his fire service her- truly capture the Canyon’s impact. It’s a shed their perceived limitations. He itage, and he’s the only man I know who mighty impressive natural phenome- never focused on past mistakes or indis- was big enough to plant one foot firmly non, and words just won’t cut it. You cretions; he was all about what good in fire service tradition while having the have to stand at the edge of the Canyon things were possible. People walked other striving toward a better, brighter with your own two feet and experience away from encounters with Jim feeling future. Magically, he did it without it in person. better and more hopeful than before. ostracizing anyone. In Jim’s eyes, the We face similar difficulty when try- The gravity of Jim’s charm wasn’t lim- best of the past and the hope of the ing to describe Jim Page. Words can’t ited to the little guys; it extended way up future weren’t mutually exclusive; they present the entire, wonderful truth the ladder of success. I witnessed this complemented one other. For that rea- about him. It’s easy to list the various firsthand at the 2003 Congressional Fire son, he truly embodied the modern aspects of his career and his numerous accomplishments, but the magic of his character existed in intangible traits He’s the only man I know who was big that had nothing to do with his being a enough to have one foot planted firmly in fire service/EMS legend but had every- thing to do with his becoming one. His fire service tradition while having the other charm, intelligence, wit and commit- striving toward a better, brighter future. ment to doing the right thing had just as profound an impact on the emergency response industry as fire-based EMS Service Institute (CFSI) dinner in American firefighter: respectful of tradi- had. Anyone who knew Jim can tell you Washington, D.C. The cocktail recep- tion, but looking forward to the positive these things, but like any natural phe- tion preceding the dinner is a sea of changes that lie ahead. nomenon, you needed to experience Jim hand-shakers, back-slappers and pur- The following pages detail the in person to get the full effect. The peo- poseful networking. But Jim wasn’t the imprint Jim left on our industry. ple who contributed to this supplement networking kind; he was far too unaf- Although we could write volumes about had that honor. fected. I watched—amused—as count- his contributions, I’ll remember him Jim’s amiable nature transcended his less VIPs were sucked in by his broad mostly as my mentor and friend. When I imposing physical stature. For that rea- smile. They’d approach Jim profession- think of Jim now, I’m taken back to the son, people looked up to him rather ally, with a firm handshake and a formal day following the CFSI dinner when he than up at him. He exuded a magnetic greeting. But pretense was short-lived in gave me a walking tour of D.C. A tireless charm, and his warmth tugged on peo- his presence. Within seconds, they’d be tour guide, Jim dragged me up and down ple like gravity. I liked being in his orbit, doubled over, laughing with Jim—a fire- the length of the Washington Mall and I enjoyed watching other people get man’s fireman—who had just relayed a twice. I saw a week’s worth of monu- drawn in. I saw it at countless trade story about an engineer named Stubby ments in eight hours with a man who shows. Shy, nervous or starstruck fire- and the unfortunate, accidental destruc- lived four lifetimes in one. As the shad- fighters would approach our booth with tion of public property. Like it or not, he ows grew long, my legs grew weary, and great trepidation, excited to meet their would transport old salts back to a time I raced to keep up with this man whose hero but a little unsure about the rules and place where change happened at the stride was twice as long as my own. I’ll of engagement. They’d hang back for a company level, where the true reward spend a good portion of my remaining count or two, then Jim would break into came after the call when you helped days trying to keep pace with the exam- a cheerful grin: “Hi, I’m Jim Page! someone in a big or small way. He ple he set. I think we all will. JOP

James O. Page Legacy 5 First, He Changed Everything

Jim’s fire service colleagues celebrate his life, legacy & vision of what the fire service could be

6 James O. Page Legacy Kick the Big Door Wide Open By Alan V. Brunacini, Chief, Phoenix Fire Department

he other day, I became transfixed whatever is wrecking her day. change agents. The changees develop a T and temporarily paralyzed. My wife BJP, we pretty much selected out any reaction based on how sane, self-serving and I were stopped at an intersection, problem that did not involve the prod- and genuinely committed they think the and I watched in wondrous awe as a ucts of combustion in some way. As a change agent is. The change agent can- brand new Phoenix Fire Department young, on-duty firefighter, I watched not produce an amount of change that is pumper drove past us. Nothing in the through the venetian blinds of a fire sta- larger than the confidence of those who world compares to the sight and noise tion as the local mortician unloaded a must act out that change. of—and emotion evoked by—a full- rolling cot out of the back of a hearse (!) Jim created the most profound transi- dressed fire engine and all its response to transport our across-the-street neigh- tion that has ever occurred in the equipment clearing the way. Silver bor and his heart attack to the hospital. American fire service and has left an eagles, gold leaf and chrome bells set I asked my captain if we should help incredible legacy that will last virtually against high-gloss red paint, along with them. He said, “If they want us to forever. The effect of his efforts pro- the sounds of an angry, impatient “Q,” a respond, they will dispatch us. We open duces an example of what an effective stuttering air horn and a downshifting, the big door when they tell us to open (and very special) change agent actually howling diesel engine create the most the big door. Sit down and shut up, kid.” looks like. Most of us don’t have any- absolutely religious experience possible. (Sorry Mrs. Smith.) where close to the personal tools Jim Finally, my wife gently nudged me, “We My fire department’s reaction to help- came from the factory with, but examin- can go now; they are gone.” ing our neighbor creates a historic pic- ing his approach might bring out the As I came to and drove on, the expe- ture of the system that Jim Page changed. best in us—and cause me to miss him rience caused me to consider a set of In fairness to my old captain, he was just even more. ongoing thoughts I’ve been having regarding the loss of Jim Page. I’m try- ing to relate to what he has done for He persuasively & personally led us from our service and how we must somehow continue his efforts. A lot has already within—as a highly credible insider—to use our been said, and I sincerely believe a lot decentralized resources, highly trainable more will be said as we all reflect on how he has changed what we do, how personnel & well-established local deploy- we do it and what we have become. I ment system … to help Mrs. Smith in a new way. think it will take a long time for us to realize his effect. As I watched the red-lights-and-siren a reflection of the old-time system he 1. Jim’s foundation and launching paramedic pumper go by, I realized they worked in. Long-term, autocratic non- pad was having been a street firefighter. were going on an EMS call. (I was empowerment produces severe psy- He validated himself as a member of a eavesdropping on the dispatch channel chosclerosis (hardening of the head). very effective, active and progressive fire on my trusty old scanner.) It suddenly A lot of energy, attention and confu- department (Los Angeles County Fire struck me that if I had watched that sion are always directed toward the Department). He had great respect, same company BJP (before Jim Page) process of change. Not very much real knowledge, skill and affection for our respond on 10 calls, they would have change stuff gets packaged up and deliv- service. His pride was lifelong and very been going to protect some piece of ered until and unless some change agent apparent. Simply, he was one of us. He property on pretty much all 10 of those actually shows up. I have noticed as I changed us because he loved us, not calls. AJP (after Jim Page), eight of those trudged through my career that change because he was ashamed of us. He was 10 responses would deliver service to a agents come in all sizes and shapes. A consistently motivated to do the right human. Before, the “customer” was a major part of change-agent effectiveness thing for the right reason. He did not building that was hosting a physical is based on their personal motivation. want us to stop fighting fires—he only problem. After, it was a person who was Asking someone else to change almost wanted us to use those same resources hosting a human problem. instantly becomes a very intense, inter- more creatively. Very simply, Jim persuasively and per- personal process. All bets are off during 2. Like all really effective change sonally led us from within—as a highly periods of major change. This is when agents, he was able to visualize in a credible insider—to use our decentral- uncertainty and vulnerability start flying futuristic way what we could be. He saw ized resources, highly trainable person- around the people, places and things the potential for how our basic resources nel, red-lights-and-siren rolling stock, affected by that major change. could be used to deliver an expanded well-established local deployment sys- Based on the intensity of the process, level of service. He had the personal skill tem and (most of all) trust-based reputa- it doesn’t take the changees very long to (brains and guts) to translate and trans- tion to help Mrs. Smith in a new way. He figure out where the changers are com- fer that vision to a wide variety of fire took us to the next level of keeping the ing from. It also does not take those same service and medical system players. He promise we make her when we become changees very long to decide for them- effectively was able to practice the “art of firefighters: We will protect her from selves if they believe in and trust the the possible.”

James O. Page Legacy 7 3. He increased his capability, qualifi- You Can Go Home Again cations and personal influence beyond his fire officer experience. Becoming an By Tim Murphy, Chief, Monterey Park Fire Department author, a lawyer, a publisher and a busi- nessman all increased his influence and bout 10 months ago, I was working recognized for his work with the new fire credibility. He was able to make a bigger Auncharacteristically late in my department paramedic program. Jim deal, with a wider range of people, office after the staff had gone for the eventually left Los Angeles County to higher up the food chain. He maximized day. Suddenly, I became aware of a pres- head across the country to North the personal gifts given to him and used ence. When I looked up from my com- Carolina and new challenges. those abilities to create a better world. puter, I saw through my window the face The old adage says, “One can never go 4. He created an enormous amount of an old acquaintance, Jim Page. home.” Jim dispelled that myth by return- of fire service and medical system As the current fire chief in the city of ing to Monterey Park as the fire chief on change over a long period of time. He Monterey Park, Calif.—a position the April 14, 1986. The Jim Page legend per- was very patient. He connected to and esteemed Mr. Page used to hold—I meates the department to this day. Prior converted one person and one fire immediately considered whether to to his arrival, the city manager had sug- department at a time. He quietly and secure the premises more tightly, figuring gested that a public safety director posi- effectively led the EMS parade by he must have come to reclaim his former tion could head both the police and fire assembling all the paraders. Eventually, position. But I gave in to that bright, departments. At this time, recruitment all of us found ourselves happily march- mustached smile and invited him in. efforts for a new fire chief were well ing behind him to a better place. In typical Jim Page fashion, he wasn’t underway, and James O. Page was at the there for himself, but wanted to say hello top of the list. His interviews were appar- and to encourage me to take a good, ently persuasive. The public safety direc- hard look at some folks who were apply- tor concept was discarded, and Jim was ing for a position within our department given the reins of this outfit, which he and for whom he had great accolades. immediately began to change. We spoke about some of his days with Jim’s organization and his ability to Monterey Park, and he related anecdotes articulate his plans quickly won the con- that brought me to my knees in laughter. fidence of the rank and file, as well as Then as quickly as he arrived, he was the city council. He borrowed and built gone. On to some other project, I’m upon his earlier experiences and pro- sure. When Jim Page left your presence, posed that the city purchase two rescue Jim changed the fire service for the better one there was always a momentary energy transport ambulances. Through a com- department—and one person—at a time. vacuum. Things seemed quieter than bination of hiring new personnel and before his arrival, and you knew some- sending some of the existing firefighters 5.Jim was a durable player who one special had just left the building. to paramedic school, he quickly estab- understood that making changes in the Jim Page grew up in the city of lished one of the finest prehospital care real world involves a combination of Monterey Park, and he used to tell the programs in the county. He recognized winning some and losing some. He knew story of walking by the fire stations here that with two acute care hospitals call- the only place you could change the as a young man and stopping to speak ing Monterey Park their home, patient score was on the field, and that’s where with the firefighters. No doubt, the mind care could only benefit from dedicated he played. We are effective to the extent that was always working overtime made ALS units. we can keep going when we get set back. some insightful inquiries of those fire- Jim wrote the ambulance subscrip- Pipsqueaks dance around the safe, no- fighters with regard to their chosen pro- tion program we still employ today. This risk edges of the system, making cos- fession. He gave credit to those talks for program gives the poor and indigent metic changes. Jim took on the driving him to become a firefighter. On access to emergency medical care and dangerous, exciting center of our day-to- his 21st birthday—the earliest allowable transport for a fraction of the cost of a day local routine and created a huge time—Jim Page submitted his applica- single patient transport. change in the most basic and durable tion to join the fire department of the Not one to let the grass grow under part of our system—the composition of city of Monterey Park. To its credit, the his feet, Jim Page led this department for our local, up close and personal city hired him on Aug. 7, 1957, and approximately three years, after which response activity. Simply, he changed helped launch a career that would touch he left to devote more time to his next what we’d opened the “big door” for. many lives and would change the face of venture, Jems Communications. But his BJP—100% fire; AJP—80% EMS and the fire service in the United States. pride and leadership remain. Many of 20% fire. Wow! Never one to pay too much homage the paramedic firefighters he hired are The next time you hear a siren, see to the status quo, Jim headed for new the current officers, and each one car- the blinkin’ lights, and pull over to let a opportunities after spending slightly ries a portion of the Page philosophy, lit-up fire truck go by, look real close. more than two years with our depart- leadership and work ethic within him, Somewhere on the truck, you will see ment. He accepted a position with our and we are a better department for that. the reflection of a bald-headed guy, with neighbor, Los Angeles County Fire Goodbye, Jim! Your friends at a twinkle in his eye and an impish grin. Department, where he spent many years Monterey Park thank you for enriching It’s Chief Page riding with us to go help and where he advanced to the rank of our lives and will miss you. Mrs. Smith. He’s there on every call. battalion chief and became nationally

8 James O. Page Legacy The Glass Half Empty By John Price, Captain (ret.), Los Angeles County Fire Department

n the morning of Sept. 5, while battalion chief. Page had been assigned which was filmed at a burned-out light- Ohaving breakfast with my wife, I to Battalion 7 and was charged with ing company. There we were in the mid- received a phone call from a close coordinating the countywide implemen- dle of the night, fire burning, engines friend on the Los Angeles County Fire tation of paramedic rescue services. responding to the scene, and I was at the Department. Chief Jim Page had died Paramedic training was in full swing at pump panel doing my thing. They called suddenly the previous day, my friend Harbor General Hospital, and the para- for a break, so I took the pump out of told me. The shock and disbelief were medic program was expanding at a rapid gear and ran the rig at idle. When we got overwhelming. I could not believe that rate throughout Los Angeles County. All back to filming, I forgot to put the pump a man with Jim’s passion for life and of this was due to L.A. County in gear, so of course there was no water physical fitness could have died. This Supervisor Kenneth Hahn and the vision coming out of the hoselines. Bob was the man I looked up to as a rookie of Jim Page. Jim could always see ahead Cinader yelled, “Cut! Cut!” I was morti- firefighter and who served as my men- of others and had the keen mind needed fied. Jim said aloud, “Don’t worry. Even tor on the Los Angeles County Fire to guide programs through political and Jack Webb forgets a few lines on occa- Department. This was the chief I knew administrative quagmires. Firefighters sion.” Thanks to Jim, I was able to par- for 35 years and loved because of the love to fight fire, but Jim would always ticipate in at least three other differences he made in the fire service remind us that our ability to maintain Emergency! episodes. Jim always knew across this great nation. I first ran into Captain Jim Page on a major wildland fire in the Malibu, Calif., Jim always had the vision to see ahead of area in 1969. Page was assigned as the others & the keen mind to guide strike team leader, and I was a firefighter on one of the engines assigned to that programs through political & strike team. I can still remember Jim tak- administrative quagmires. ing our whole crew and walking to get the layout of the surrounding area. He would quote his battalion chief, the leg- our wages and benefits would be driven how to make people feel at home, com- endary Harvey Anderson, and say, “You by EMS. fortable and a part of the team. gotta get close to nature out here, boy. During this same time, Jim was By 1973, I had promoted to captain Nothing is learned from the seat on that assigned as the technical consultant and and was assigned to Truck 3 in East Los rig. You gotta walk these trails and writer for the Emergency! television Angeles. The promotion was due, in fireroads.” Jim practiced what he series. (Also see “Lights! Camera! large part, to Jim’s mentoring and exam- preached and always led the way. Sirens! Action!” p. 12.) Jim wasn’t happy ple. Around the middle of 1973, Jim left In 1970, I had promoted to engineer unless he had at least three or four irons the department for the East Coast, and was assigned to Station 36 in the in the fire. Jim involved everyone around where he remained for the next 10 years. city of Carson. Soon after my appoint- him—and Station 36—in Emergency! I Our relationship continued with occa- ment, Jim arrived as the newly appointed was the engineer on the pilot episode, sional phone calls, cards or letters. In 1984, Jim returned to California. Soon after, he was hired as Chief of the Monterey Park Fire Department. As I sit in my office today and reflect on one of the most rewarding profes- sional relationships of my career, I thank God that he brought James O. Page into my life. I don’t believe anyone can ade- quately describe in words this husband, father, lawyer, editor and brother fire- fighter. It’s like trying to put your arms around the Empire State Building. He possessed so many wonderful traits: physical stature, a booming voice, knowledge, honesty and humbleness. Jim was a class act. He advanced the fire service, placed EMS in its proper place and will never be forgotten. Jim served with the Los Angeles County Fire Department from 1959 to 1973. During his Without you Jim, the glass will be half tenure, he worked as a firefighter, frefighter-specialist, fire captain and battalion chief. empty. Thanks for 35 years. JOP

James O. Page Legacy 9 The Road Less Traveled

Jim Page’s amazing tour of small-town fire & EMS

t wasn’t much of a surprise to guy. You saw it every those who knew Jim Page when time he served as counsel he announced in 2002 that he (often pro bono) for an EMT, paramedic few years ago, after leaving his indelible was going to buy a custom, heavy- or firefighter being wrongfully charged, mark on EMS and fire, Jim became a dutyI RV and spend the next few years and you could see it in Jim’s intolerance volunteer with the California Highway visiting small towns and fire depart- for corporate scoundrels and bureau- Patrol. He said he was partially moti- ments across the United States. crats alike. vated to find out “what makes cops tick,” The image of Jim Page on a coast-to- In the same way he was an advocate but it’s not hard to speculate on what coast RV trip may have struck some as for the underdog, Jim was somehow Jim’s impact on law enforcement might odd. After all, Jim was so, well, worldly. drawn to smaller towns and departments. have been if the state hadn’t ended the He had accomplished great things, was (Maybe it also had something to do with program only months later.) well-educated, had a better voice than the fact he spent time in rural Kansas in Of course, as noted elsewhere in this James Earl Jones, navigated Capitol Hill his youth.) Jim saw that the smaller supplement (see “The Man & His with grace and ease, had traveled 3 mil- towns and rural areas were where the Machines,” p. 26), Jim simply loved both lion air miles, visited each of the 200 rubber literally met the road for the vast air (he was a pilot, too) and land-bound most populous U.S. cities (in the years majority of fire and EMS agencies and machines of all shapes and sizes. So it since launching the JEMS annual survey personnel. He wanted to be there. goes without saying that not just any RV and report about the same cities) and Jim’s unyielding curiosity and drive would do for Jim; it had to be challeng- more. He was on a first-name basis with simply wouldn’t allow him to while away ing to drive, and it wouldn’t hurt if it was anyone who was someone in fire and his retirement on a bass boat or the golf about the size of a fire truck. EMS. Jim always looked damn good in course (never!). He was among the most Finally, Jim also related that this trip any one of his three-piece suits. knowledgeable people I’ve ever met, and would be a way to spend quality time So what would Jim Page be doing yet he was always pushing himself to with his wife, Jane, their dog, Maggie, driving around in an RV? learn more and impart that knowledge to and other members of his family while First, you have to know that Jim was others. (An example of Jim’s insatiable on road trips. He knew that if he didn’t an unmatched champion for the little appetite for self-learning was when, a get out of the office and on the road, he

10 James O. Page Legacy By Jeff Berend

would never break himself away from In several states, he saw what he his tireless work of writing, speaking, termed “recliner abuse”: firefighters in practicing law, consulting and answer- untucked uniforms who wouldn’t get up ing dozens (and sometimes hundreds) from their La-Z-Boys when Jim rang the of calls, e-mails and letters a day from bell. Here’s an excerpt from Jim’s fire and EMS personnel all over the November 2004 Burning Issues col- country. As usual, Jim’s own writing umn (one of four he submitted prior to says it best. Here’s what he his death): wrote in his Burning Issues If members of a fire company rou- column in FireRescue Mag- tinely occupy the recliners between azine in April 2004. the daylight hours of 8 a.m. to 5 We realize most of you p.m., their leader has failed them don’t live and work in big and the community they have the cities. Instead you make honor of serving. A harsh judgment? things safe in small towns Maybe so. But watching Oprah or and suburbs rarely noticed sleeping through an afternoon Jim Page with his 30-foot long, 2003 by fire-service magazines. movie cannot prepare you for the Haulmark MH-1 Motorcoach. In true Page You explore new and better harsh realities of a post 9/11 world. style, this custom rig features a Caterpillar ways to fight fire and rescue Overall, Jim saw more positives than C-12 engine, 6-speed Allison transmission and a Jake brake. people with very limited negatives. He called Jems from the first resources. … This adventure is stop of his trip, the Northern California supposed to combine retirement city of Ukiah. Jim was excited. He said and posted them at www.jems.com/ and adventure with relaxation and the department had staged an jimpage/roadlesstraveled. We will post the just enough work to exercise the impromptu demonstration, and that he survey data as more are returned and gray matter, satisfy my curiosity and would be spending time with the chief assembled. share information with others. later in the day. While this project was, in context, Jim’s itinerary was based on Norman His enthusiasm was contagious. The only a sliver of Jim’s life’s work, it’s telling Crampton’s 1993 book, The 100 Best rest of the staff of FireRescue and JEMS about the sort of man he was. He was Small Towns in America. His goal was to eagerly awaited his calls from the road. someone who wanted to hear everyone’s travel for a few weeks, visiting towns on He was always quick to tell us which stories. Someone who just plain loved big his list—and any other interesting sites magazines he saw on station coffee trucks and the sound of that Jake brake along the way. He would return home for tables and relayed feedback he gathered and Cat C-12 engine and the feeling of a couple of months and then begin the that we could put to use immediately. being behind the wheel. Someone who next adventure. At the time of his pass- Although most of us on such a journey could have spent his time being wined ing, Jim had visited 30 of the 100 small would have simply met folks along the way and dined by big-wig politicos and VIPs towns (see map). and shared some stories and laughs, that exclusively, but instead chose to spend it It was important to Jim that the visits wasn’t Jim’s style or ethic. Prior to setting with common folk like you and me. be unannounced. He wanted to see the off on his journey, Jim had developed a 57- Someone who was a fireman’s fireman firehouses and personnel in their “natu- page questionnaire, which he personally down to his bones. Someone who, after a ral state.” (Can you imagine mopping went through with each chief. The results lifetime of dedication to his professional the vehicle bay and looking up to see the of those surveys were compiled into a 66- calling, had finally found a way to bring Chief James O. Page walk through the column matrix. In addition to his anec- his kids and grandkids along for the ride, door?) So, when the Jems staff asked dotal findings, Jim wanted to collect hard to share his passion and joy with them. him if we could paint “FireRescue data that would help him (and FireRescue It’s sad that Jim’s cross-country trip Magazine Tour” on the side of his rig, and JEMS) determine issues and trends in was cut short—for his family, for fire and NASCAR-style, he politely declined. fire and EMS nationwide. EMS … for all of us. I can’t think of Most often, what Jim saw on his jour- The information he gathered included many folks who would dream up a far- ney impressed him. He saw fire and the department budget, number of active fetched idea like personally visiting 100 EMS personnel who took pride in their paid and volunteer members, ISO rating, small-town fire departments from coast work, equipment, stations and appara- population, total square miles, response to coast, gathering scores of data and tus. They were professional and repre- time, total annual responses, structure stories, all with the intent of imparting sented the best of EMS and fire services. fires, EMS calls, hazmat, 9-1-1 system, that knowledge for the betterment of fire But Jim also saw a side of modern fire average EMS bill, whether they’d and EMS and the citizens we serve. and EMS he found disturbing—and he received FIRE Act grants, NFIRS partic- In fact, I can think of only one didn’t hesitate to call out unprofessional ipation, and more. person. JOP behavior in the stories he wrote about At the time of his passing, surveys had his travels. Jim saw firefighters in the been completed for more than half the Jeff Berend is publisher/general manager Pacific Northwest at a highway traffic departments he had visited. Our staff is of Jems Communications/Elsevier. Jeff accident arrive riding the tailboard, some still trying to determine how best to fulfill was lucky enough to have the opportunity without PPE. And he watched as they Jim’s vision for the surveys going forward. to work with Jim Page for 12 years and proceeded to wash hazardous fluids from In the meantime, we’ve collected Jim’s never took for granted how fortunate he the scene into a protected river. writings on the site visits he completed was to be in Jim’s presence.

James O. Page Legacy 11 Lights! Camera! Sirens! Action! Jim Page’s impact on Emergency! & its influence over early paramedic system development worldwide

n May 11, 1971, television really sure what he was looking for. In producer/actor Jack Webb fact, he wasn’t really sure what rescue attended a meeting of NBC was all about. Jim thought it would be officials in Burbank, Calif., difficult to present a variety of complex Oand proposed a new series about rescue. rescues that would keep a television Two of his previous TV ventures, audience excited on a weekly basis. So Dragnet (starring himself as LAPD he wasted no time telling him about Sergeant Joe Friday) and Adam 12, had the department’s exciting new para- been successful, so NBC planners gave medic program. him the verbal OK to start putting From the day the first six LACoFD together a two-hour movie for television firefighters started training to be para- and to use the movie as the world pre- medics (in September 1969), a lot of mier of an ongoing series of weekly people assumed that they, and the entire episodes. program, would fail. So Jim wasn’t sur- Webb asked writer/producer Robert prised (or deterred) when he tried to tell A. Cinader to get started on research Cinader about the six bright young fire- for the series. Cinader contacted Los fighters who were reading ECGs, start- Angeles County Fire Department ing IVs, pushing drugs and defibrillating Jack Webb and Battalion Chief Jim Page (LACoFD) Public Information Officer hearts and found Cinader wasn’t inter- watch as firefighter “actors” perform flaw- Dick Friend and told him they needed ested. “America’s not ready to watch lessly during the filming of the Emergency! someone who could do some research people have heart attacks on TV,” world premier film. and writing for them. Cinader said. Coincidentally, Jim Page’s manu- The rescue stories began to emerge, California lawyer 13 days later. script for his first book—a text on fire and Jim wrote a short one- to two-page His assignment was Battalion 7, company supervision—was on Friend’s summary of each. But, before long, the headquartered at Station 36, about a desk, waiting for official review before limits of the concept became obvious. mile from Harbor General Hospital. In publication. So Friend gave Cinader There were only so many kinds of cave- addition to his other duties, he was Jim’s name and told him he was on duty ins, building collapses and similar assigned to work with the new paramedic at Station 7 in West Hollywood. calamities that could be depicted with- program. It was his dream come true. out encountering potentially boring Station 36 actually had more para- Cinader meets Page similarities. medics than needed to staff its rescue By 3 p.m., Jim, Friend and Cinader were After several frustrating weeks of unit so Jim assigned one of them, Dale seated at the kitchen table in Fire research, Jim turned in his work, about Cauble, to serve as his aide for the first Station 7. Jim was the “C” shift captain 50 scenarios, around which fully devel- few weeks of his new assignment. at the station. The crew mesmerized oped stories of physical rescue situations Cinader with details of their first-in could be written. Jim hooks Cinader with a attack on the 1970, 10-story Playboy few ride-alongs Club fire, the most challenging call of Opportunity knocks: Jim’s During his first week as a battalion their careers. The fire was knocked promotion & EMS assignment chief, Jim received a surprising call from down 28 minutes after they received the At the time, Jim was waiting for his Cinader reporting that Webb and NBC alarm. They immediately had Cinader’s bar exam results, and his name was were getting closer to an agreement on attention and respect. at the top of the eligibility list for the proposed TV series, but had con- Cinader then went to Jim’s office to promotion to battalion chief. The cluded it would be impossible to sustain discuss his need for a researcher. Jim promotion occurred on July 15, 1971, a series about physical rescue situations; quickly realized that Cinader wasn’t and he was officially licensed as a they were interested in Jim’s proposal

12 James O. Page Legacy By A.J. Heightman & Richard Yokley

When the second tone sounded, the selective calling unit immediately recog- nized it by pitch and set off a claxon-type alarm buzzer in the station. Specific tones for other stations would be audible for their entire length without setting off 127’s alarm. One of the sound technicians for the show was fascinated with the alarm tones. He asked Jim to arrange several alarm tests that he could record. The recording found its way to composer Nelson Riddle, who used the discordant notes as the musical theme for the series.

The first script On Nov. 11, 1971, exactly six months after the idea for Emergency! was con- ceived, Cauble arrived at Battalion 7 headquarters with the completed world- premier script. It consisted of 113 pages and included 398 scenes. For more than Jim Page and a host of talented and dedicated LACoFD personnel worked with actors two hours, Jim and Cauble reviewed it, Randolph Mantooth (left) and Kevin Tighe (right) to turn Emergency! into a professional depic- tion of ALS that helped advance system development throughout the world. and with each page, they became more concerned about their fire department’s that the series feature paramedics in field Bobby Troup (London’s current hus- image—and their own careers. rescues and dramatic medical situations. band) was selected to play the role of a In one scene, the writers had a battal- America was ready to watch people have physician. The real-life role of Dr. J. ion chief attending a cocktail party in heart attacks on TV. Michael Criley was to be depicted by uniform. Jim called Cinader and strongly Jim quickly invited Cinader to ride actor Robert Fuller. The two principal objected. Now one of the gang at with him at Battalion 7. Cinader paramedics in the show were to be played Battalion 7, Cinader listened and worked accepted the offer, and the trio began to by Universal contract actors Randolph with Jim and Cauble throughout the show up at medical incidents throughout Mantooth and Kevin Tighe. series to keep the actors’ portrayals pro- the district. Normally, chiefs didn’t roll About the time these casting deci- fessional, a bond of trust that has on medical calls, but Jim wanted to make sions were occurring, Dale Cauble, who affected the public’s image of paramedics sure Cinader saw enough to make his TV had been hired by Webb’s staff to review and firefighters to this day. series accurate and authentic. the script, informed Jim that Webb had The ride-alongs excited Cinader and decided to name the “high-energy” para- Jack Webb, director allowed him to see and hear about sev- medic (to be played by Mantooth) “Jim Jack Webb appointed himself director eral incidents that would affect the Page.” Web had often used the real of the world premier. Problem was, Jim design and content of Emergency! For names of some LAPD personnel in the example, he witnessed several encoun- Dragnet series. ters with a private ambulance service Jim met with Webb the next day, that were openly antagonistic to the expressed his appreciation for the honor paramedics. of having a TV character share his name, Station 127, a short distance from the but explained that his boss already San Diego Freeway, was selected as the thought he was too visible with the pro- show’s station. Coincidentally, an exact gram. Webb changed the subject without duplicate of Engine 127 was based at addressing his concerns. The next day, Station 60, on the grounds of Universal however, the character initially named Studios. During the first year and a half “Jim Page” became “John Gage.” of the series, this proved very convenient for the filmmakers. Those famous radio tones During the filming of stock footage at What’s in a name? Station 127, fire alarms had been Early in October 1971, Webb made his received over the selective calling radio major casting decisions. He selected his alarm unit, which was activated by a ex-wife, Julie London, to play the role of two-tone series of radio-transmitted sig- Carol Bebout, the real-life critical care nals that sounded like an out-of-tune From left: Kevin Tighe, Robert Fuller, Julie unit nurse at Harbor General who had organ. If the station’s radio monitor was London, Bobby Troup and Randolph trained the first group of paramedics. turned on, the first tone would be audi- Mantooth—the actors at the heart of Her TV name would be Dixie McCall. ble for the entire duration of the alarm. Emergency!’s success.

James O. Page Legacy 13 Left: Filming an action scene for an Emergency! episode. Above: As paramedics “Johnny and Roy,” Randolph Mantooth (right) and Kevin Tighe influenced a generation, leading many youngsters of the day to choose a career in EMS or the fire service. felt the script for the industrial fire was rolled. Previously, Jim had visited with radiate heat and fill the air with a roar- unworkable. The depictions appeared all the fire crews that would participate ing crackle, Webb nodded to Jim. to be the work of someone who had in the event. As they reviewed the pre- LACoFD’s Frequency 1 suddenly car- never seen a big structure fire. The dia- fire plan, he emphasized that there ried an unusual command: “Roll it!” logue that had been written for the inci- would be no margin for error. Even if Without a hitch, firefighters set up dent commander and other fire scenes could be re-shot, the building their hose lines. Jacks were pulled into personnel was overly dramatic and couldn’t be rebuilt in time to meet the place under the ladder truck, and the unprofessional. This time, Jim called show’s deadline. hydraulic pump whined as the steel lad- Webb directly and pleaded his case. Webb arrived at the scene late in the der rose skyward. Engines moaned in “Don’t worry about it,” Webb afternoon. Jim briefed him on the plan harmony as pumps were engaged and responded. “I’ll let you straighten it out that had been set up. He also reminded throttles opened. when we shoot it.” him that the script for this segment of Minutes passed without a sign of the show remained very unrealistic. “To error. Jim looked at Webb, who was grin- The first shoot hell with the script,” Webb shot back. ning widely. Ballinger held a portable Early on the morning of Nov. 22, 1971, “You direct this thing; do it just like you radio to his mouth and spoke his new Fire Station 8 on Santa Monica Blvd. in would a real fire.” lines as though he’d studied them for West Hollywood became a hub of activ- Never timid, Jim headed straight for days. Finally, as firefighters advanced ity as dozens of studio technicians and the TelePrompter operator. (The Tele- into the flames with water flowing in a craftsmen began setting up for the first Prompter was to be placed off-camera fog pattern from their nozzles, Webb day of filmmaking. and provide Ballinger with his speaking yelled, “Cut!” Webb had cast his long-time friend, lines during filming of the fire scene.) It Dozens of usually cynical filmmak- Art Ballinger, as the chief. Ballinger had had already been set up with the script’s ers and technicians spontaneously let played the role of Capt. Brown (a real unrealistic dialogue. In less than 15 out a raucous cheer of appreciation for person) on several Dragnet episodes. minutes, Jim had scrapped the dialogue the firefighters. Six minutes had Jim learned that Ballinger was 62 years from the script and replaced it with passed, captured by six cameras operat- old, two years older than the LACoFD lines that would make Ballinger sound ing from different angles—36 minutes mandatory retirement age. He men- like a real battalion chief and the fire of film in all. “Print it,” Webb com- tioned that fact to Cinader. “I don’t give suppression operation appear more pro- manded as the congratulations and pats a s—!” he snapped. “He looks like a fire fessional to viewers. on the back continued. chief.” With silver hair, erect bearing Ballinger accepted the changes with- and steely eyes, Ballinger did look like a out complaint. To help keep things The world premier fire chief, and his clear and command- under control, Jim also assigned After weeks of editing, the world premier ing voice completed the image. another aide, Don Pierpont, to assist was completed with a soundtrack, expert Ballinger and serve as his driver during editing and appropriate sound effects. A The big scene the filming. prerelease showing was scheduled at Meanwhile, preparations continued for Finally, all was ready, and the fire Universal. In attendance were local the big nighttime fire scene. The studio crews were poised on the apparatus a politicians, doctors and health officials, planned to use six cameras, all shooting block away. The special effects techni- fire department representatives, a num- simultaneously. The fire would be cians lit several propane trays, and the ber of paramedics, members of the cast started, and the fire crews and equip- building began to burn. Jim stood next and most of the production crew. ment would arrive on cue and com- to Webb with his portable radio in hand Knowing that this was probably a mence the attack while the cameras (see photo, p. 12). As the fire began to once-in-a-lifetime experience, Jim sat

14 James O. Page Legacy down the next day and wrote the follow- comments and suggestions to Friend for helmets while responding to emergen- ing paragraph to help remember it: review. cies. So you’ll notice that whenever After years of watching police shows Scripts were also sent to Harbor Squad 51 responded to an incident, in frustration, it was exciting to General Hospital (aka Rampart) for Johnny and Roy always had their hel- anticipate a professionally produced review by A. Jim Lewis, MD, in the mets on. This important policy, along depiction of our fire department paramedic-training department run by with many other policies, was incorpo- and our paramedics. When it finally Dr. Criley, and by Ron Stewart, MD, rated into the series thanks to Jim Page. came on the screen, bigger than life, medical consultant for the series. Prior to his retirement from heralded by Nelson Riddle’s theme Jim, Friend and a technical advisor LACoFD in September 1973, Jim music, the result was emotional for would then meet with Cinader and the penned two Emergency! scripts under most of us. We still thought the directors, unit manager, producers, the pseudonym Jim Owens (to keep script was a little hokey, but the writers, and special effects and ward- himself out of trouble with LACoFD), visual impact of the fire and rescue robe people every Wednesday for a final and one that aired in season three scenes made up for it. I was seated production meeting for the episode under yet another name. His scripts behind one of my bosses and, when scheduled to start filming the following attempted to show the actual problems the industrial fire scenes were on the Monday. The purpose of this meeting within the LACoFD at the time, such as screen, I could have sworn I saw was to review the script—page by page, in his “Drivers” and “Trainee” scripts, goose bumps on his neck. I was cov- scene by scene—and make any final both of which aired in season two. ered with ’em. changes. During the 1973 writers’ strike, Jim, Friend, Jim and the fire department a Writer’s Guild member, couldn’t sub- On to the series technical advisor would make recom- mit any scripts under his own name. So, NBC ordered six one-hour episodes mendations for editing, to ensure accu- in order to continue the important before the movie even completed shoot- racy and to protect the department’s momentum the show was having in ing and scheduled Emergency! to start image. Along those lines, Jim and Friend EMS, Jim wrote the “Snakebite” in the mid-season schedule. The one- ensured adherence to the LACoFD episode and had his sister, not a hour episodes were filmed in a six- to rules and regulations throughout the Writer’s Guild member, use an altered eight-day shooting schedule. development of the series to make it as first name and her married surname Eventually, a total of 11, 60-minute accurate as possible. (Carroll Christensen) to submit his episodes were filmed and aired that first As scripts were being reviewed, one script. The character’s name in the season, plus the two-hour premier. area that Jim and Friend focused on, episode is Ozella Peterson, Jim’s aunt. particularly during the first season, was Jim’s direct influence the banter that occurred in the squad or Emergency! becomes a hit Scripts for each of the episodes were sent engine, originally scripted to be filmed Emergency! premiered on Jan. 22, for review to Chief Houts, Friend, Jim, while responding to an incident. 1972, one week after the movie. The the LACoFD training section captain In a memo to Cinader, Jim wrote, enormously popular program would air and the LACoFD firefighter/paramedic “Frivolous banter between the men for six seasons (through September technical advisor assigned to that specific while responding to an emergency situ- 1977), with 122 original one-hour episode. They would then send written ation is, in our opinion, inappropriate. episodes, and always remained at the The fact of a possible top of the ratings, airing against such life-threatening situa- tough competition as All In The Family. tion, coupled with By 1976, Emergency! was being seen in the serious business 41 countries worldwide and in the of traversing busy city United States. JOP streets with red lights and siren, precludes A.J. Heightman, MPA, EMT-P, is editor of light-heartedness, to JEMS. He became a fan of Emergency! at indicate a possible an early age and decided to become a para- unsafe response.” medic because of the show. He didn’t know This firm stance Jim Page’s major role in the series until he set a tone of profes- moved to California in 1995 to work for sionalism that rever- Jems. Jim never bragged about the part he berated throughout played in Emergency! Contact A.J. via the world as viewers e-mail at [email protected]. formed their first and Richard Yokley joined the Bonita- lasting impression of Sunnyside (Calif.) Fire Department in paramedics and how 1972 and retired in December 1999 as they should act. It also an operations chief. Yokley is the author set the bar for future of TV Firefighters and the soon to be paramedics in training. published book, tentatively titled, For example, LACoFD Rampart, This is Squad 51—Everything Jim with the restored Squad 51 on its way to the Smithsonian. policy required all per- Emergency! Contact him via e-mail at Also see “The Man & His Machines,” p. 26. sonnel to wear their [email protected].

James O. Page Legacy 15 Bucking the System As North Carolina’s first state EMS director, Jim faced down politicians & changed the face of EMS

escribed by USA Today at the hensive effort to establish time of his passing as “an an EMS system in every emergency medical services community, which involved pioneer,” James O. Page’s the identification, selection Dlifelong contributions to EMS are unpar- and recruitment of a full- alleled. A knowledgeable, visionary, artic- time leader for the newly ulate and courageous leader, Page was an established NC OEMS. original thinker, a talented public speaker Jim didn’t come to the and a prolific writer whose words attention of North Carolina reached around the globe. Few people, officials through the routine however, know much about his decision application process. Instead, to move to North Carolina in 1973 or his he arrived via Hollywood. In short, but significant, 14-month stint as 1971, as a newly appointed chief of the North Carolina Office of Los Angeles County Fire James O. Page, Chief, Office of Emergency Medical Emergency Medical Services (NC Dept. (LACoFD) battalion Services (second from left), and North Carolina Governor OEMS). With years of experience as both chief, Jim was responsible James Holshouser (right) meet prior to an award event on a firefighter and a chief officer and with for implementing the de- May 17, 1974. a relentless passion for improving patient partment’s new paramedic outcomes, he transformed EMS prac- program and was assigned to interface rescue.” He added, “I jumped at the tices in the tarheel state. with Jack Webb and his team. By 1972, opportunity since I had never been east all of America had an opportunity to see of the Mississippi River.” Changes in the wind the LACoFD EMS program in action Of his meeting at the convention with In the 1960s, few communities in North through the series Emergency! rescue squad volunteers from across Carolina, or the United States, provided Folks in North Carolina were among North Carolina, Jim said, “They all told adequate emergency medical care. But those watching the popular program. In me they really wanted more and better several years later, the need for a nation- fact, much of North Carolina’s work to training, and that their state wasn’t pro- wide EMS system became clear. Many implement a comprehensive EMS sys- viding what they needed. I was told factors brought about this shift in focus, tem can be traced to the show. about a new state EMS law, and some- including advances in battlefield trauma Because of the nationwide popularity one in the audience urged me to contact care and transportation in Korea and of Emergency!, requests flowed into [state officials] about a job.” Vietnam; material and technological NBC and LACoFD for speakers. At first, Jim was going through some hard breakthroughs in the U.S. space pro- the actors in the widely popular program times at home in California. He was also gram; research in automotive safety, car- were dispatched. But “... they started concerned about management issues diac care and resuscitation; and the passing it down to directors and on down back at the LACoFD, where not every- introduction of new government funding … to the writers and technical advisors,” one was a fan of EMS or the new para- programs, such as Medicare and Jim said. As a result, when North medic program. Medicaid. Several complex EMS system Carolina’s Buncombe County Rescue “Page, with this paramedic thing, elements were identified by the federal Squad called LACoFD for a speaker for your name is mud,” one senior LACoFD government and were included in the the 1973 North Carolina Association of chief had told him. “You really shouldn’t EMS Systems Act of 1973 (Public Law Rescue Squads Convention in Asheville, take any more promotional exams. Every 93-154), which called for the develop- Chief Page was assigned to the task. But time I hear about that paramedic pro- ment of comprehensive systems of pre- he admitted, “ … Quite frankly, at the gram and you, it’s a problem.” hospital and hospital-based care. time I didn’t even know what a volunteer With this in mind, Jim called a state In the 1970s, North Carolina rescue squad was. There were volunteer official about the chief’s role in the NC became one of the first states in the firefighters, of course, but none that I OEMS while on his trip to North country to begin a statewide, compre- knew of at the time who specifically did Carolina and was invited to Raleigh for a

16 James O. Page Legacy By William K. Atkinson, PhD, MPH, EMT-P

briefing on the new state EMS agency has been consistent with his previous Resistance from the start and the open leadership position. The reactions and his incredible lack of Political issues surrounding training briefing came from David Warren, a regard for established personnel policies requirements and the pace set by state young attorney from the University of and procedures.” law for implementation eventually cost North Carolina at Chapel Hill Institute During Jim’s early meetings with state Jim his job. In fact, the EMT training of Government, who was serving as officials, he warned those around him standard almost destroyed the NC interim chief of the NC OEMS. about his leadership style. “I told them I OEMS and North Carolina’s overall “… I looked at it [the job of chief],” was a hard-driving person that was very EMS program. said Jim, “but I was very noncommittal impatient—that I wanted to get things The NC OEMS’s task of training and and I went on from Raleigh … and didn’t done,” Jim said. “I had little patience certifying EMTs was monumental. No think much more about it. I had no with bureaucracy and why things could- state-sponsored course of its kind had interest in the job.” n’t get done, and I would expect the ever been conducted in North Carolina. A near-tragic incident involving an members of the staff and the EMS advi- With the passage of the NC EMS Act of explosion in his motor home on Oct. 11, sory committee to support me.” 1973, state government actively en- 1973, caused Jim to rethink his decision. forced ambulance crew training stan- “I started thinking about everything that The good, the bad & the ugly dards for the first time, but a firestorm of had happened, mulling it over and over ... The system developers knew their task opposition grew almost instantly. Then, it was just like there was a mes- was significant. The NC EMS Act of Tom Harmelink, Jim’s deputy chief, sage to me—like things were happening 1973 called for a statewide system of notes, “Rescue squads and some funeral that were driving me toward that job. I EMS that included development of and homes were at the onset the largest said, ‘I’m going to call North Carolina upgrades to training, vehicles, equip- problems. In the rescue squads, because tomorrow morning about that job.’” ment, communications, trauma center they were volunteers, they saw this designation, medical records and [EMT training] as an extra burden on Building a team research, air ambulances, etc. many of them. ... There were a large Jim assumed the role of chief of the NC Some elements were far easier than number out there supporting us [NC OEMS on Dec. 19, 1973. To implement others to implement. Upgrading vehicles OEMS], but a very vocal minority saw the North Carolina EMS program, he and equipment, for example, was this as too much to ask.” needed skilled central and field staff. He encouraged and supported by new fed- But some of Jim’s political supporters inherited some dedicated and talented eral standards in ambulance design and and the NC OEMS clearly agreed with individuals from various state agencies subsequent nationwide vendor compli- the new training requirements. Former and recruited several new team members ance. Federal and state grants in full or North Carolina State Senator O’Neil from varied backgrounds and localities. Using fire service titles, assistant chief positions were filled in communications, “Page, with this paramedic thing, your education, information systems, hospital name is mud,” one senior LACoFD chief consultation (i.e., trauma center desig- nation) and similar specialty areas. had told him. With a population of approximately 4.5 million in 1960, North Carolina’s partial support of new equipment and Jones says, “You just had to work your residents were spread between the vehicle purchases across North Carolina way through it with these guys. ... Their Appalachian Mountains to the west and helped many local EMS agencies response was human nature, and you the Atlantic Ocean to the east, with a throughout the 1970s and early 1980s in had to understand that. And it hurt them distance of some 500 miles separating upgrading or replacing rolling stock, to be told, ‘Well friend, even though the two. The state had 100 counties, clinical equipment and rescue gear. you’ve done this and you’ve been noble, many of which were extremely isolated. But implementing other elements and you are definitely going to heaven Accordingly, the NC OEMS recruited wasn’t as easy. One early agency priority when you die, you don’t know a damn and based field coordinators in each involved training statewide ambulance thing about CPR.’... What we were try- major geographic region of the state. personnel to be emergency medical ing to do was see that when someone has From the start, Jim and his team technicians (EMTs). Based on federal a wreck somewhere, if you come to the appreciated that EMS field coordinators standards, the EMT course was 81 hours scene, I’ll be glad to give you a medal, with local experience would play key long at the time. In the April 1974 issue but I want somebody working on me roles in generating county-level accept- of North Carolina EMS News, Jim who knows how to do it.” ance. But the state bureaucracy was dif- stated: “Creating a comprehensive EMS Jim agreed with the overall require- ficult. A July 12, 1974, memo from system in a small, compact, urbanized ment and quickly proved he was a strong Gerald Hinson, Manpower Manager, state would be mainly a matter of dol- and highly visible champion of EMT North Carolina Division of Facility lars. Creating such a system in North training. Several EMS providers re- Services, to I.O. Wilkerson, Director of Carolina, one of the most rural states in sponded favorably and began EMT train- North Carolina Facility Services (to the nation, cannot be accomplished with ing. But Jim’s pro-training and education whom Jim reported), states: “Mr. Page’s dollars alone. It involves the personal posture, as well as the innovative nature reaction to the decision I relayed [not to commitment of nearly 10,000 people, of the overall EMS concept, accorded hire a candidate proposed by Page] many of who serve their fellow citizens him, as the point man, the unenviable comes as no surprise to this office, as it as volunteers.” role of political lightning rod.

James O. Page Legacy 17 “What if I [had] arrived, and there and, frankly, the state would never have Wilkerson, on behalf of Secretary was no standard?,” Jim reflected. “I enough money [to replace the services Flaherty, asked Jim to resign on Jan. 29, think I would have dealt with it like I provided by volunteers if they were 1975. Jim refused and was therefore dealt with a lot of other issues on a forced out of EMS]. terminated. fairly informal basis. I would have been “I was close to Nancy and Ollie and much more comfortable not having a a lot of legislators who were close to The aftermath deadline, but instead going out and their fire departments and rescue Colonel Charles A. Speed, former com- selling the program and having it occur squads,” Flaherty continues. “They were mander of the North Carolina Highway naturally.” saying, ‘Help, this is gonna hurt us.’ … Patrol, replaced Jim Page as chief of the EMT training programs were devel- The thing that gave Ollie and Nancy NC OEMS. Like Jim, Colonel Speed oped throughout the state, with much particular punch was the fact that they was a highly principled man and like- of the instruction occurring on commu- weren’t looking statewide; they weren’t wise refused to compromise the EMT nity college campuses or at EMS sta- ambitious to run for any office; they training program through oral exams. tions. In July 1974, OEMS News were just so damn dedicated that local At the time of Jim’s termination, only reported, “In a new state EMS program issues were all powerful with them.” months after the EMT training program not yet six months old, the NC OEMS began, 2,500 EMTs had been trained will soon certify its 1,000th [EMT].” The shame of illiteracy and certified, and several technical ele- But pockets of resistance developed In retrospect, many officials believe that ments of the statewide EMS system in and around a few rural communities. illiteracy fueled resistance to the new were being successfully implemented. According to state officials, “Local EMS training standards in North By March 1975, the number of certified opposition was organized, highly vocal, Carolina. For the first time, ambulance EMTs statewide climbed to 3,500. By media intensive and politically active.” personnel were required to attend for- 1977, 13,000 EMTs were certified, and, Senator Jones puts the politics in per- mal classes, read an EMT textbook, and by 1984, the number of certified North spective: “The minute we started talking pass written and practical EMT exami- Carolina EMTs had climbed to 50,000. standards, out of the woodwork came nations. Early NC OEMS team member Reflecting on his firing years later, the rescue squads. The urban folks gave Steve Acai points out, “We did have Jim told me: “Making the rescue squads up pretty much without a fight, but vol- some people [on rescue squads] who mad was not a good political thing to do, unteer rescue squads are political pow- couldn’t read and write.” but I wouldn’t do what [some elected erhouses. And the next thing you know, The issue extended to volunteer officials] told me to do about the EMT state senators [were saying], ‘Man, you squad leaders. Another NC OEMS offi- testing. … [They] wanted me to author- done made the rescue squad mad, and cial, Bob Bailey, reports, “There were ize an oral exam to cater to the illiterates, that crowd’s worth 5,000 votes. What several members who had minimal and I wouldn’t do it. If I had, I suppose are you doing to me?’” reading and writing skills. ... [But] it I might still be there. But I would have NC OEMS field coordinator and vol- didn’t come up formally because, obvi- lost the respect of everybody who’d done unteer rescue squad member Max ously, squad members aren’t gonna it the hard way. I knew the risks involved, Wesson says, “Most of the resistance stand around saying, ‘I have a problem and it was really a question of whether I came from squads that wanted the reading the newspaper,’ or ‘I’m not com- acted like a bureaucrat and avoided risk training, but didn’t want anybody telling fortable signing my name to a check.’… or believed in my program. them they had to have it. ... They could- We [the younger members] were not in “We pushed and pushed and pushed n’t determine the difference between a position to ask [that] kind of question until it finally got some momentum. I providing volunteer service with good [of] the elder statesmen.” had to offend so many state and elected training and just providing volunteer Political pressure mounted to extend officials that they fired me. Now I realize service, I guess you would say. You the EMT certification deadline, which my role was to be an ice-breaker to ele- know, they felt like they were volunteer- Jim was willing to do, and to allow oral vate the public’s attention to the subject ing, and they didn’t have to be trained examination for EMT candidates, which and create enough visibility for EMS any better.” Jim was not willing to do. Jim told me, that it became a high-priority item.” North Carolina Secretary of Human “[Secretary Flaherty] really poured on Being a pioneer means leading from Resources David Flaherty says, “There the pressure for a compromise by the the front. Chief James O. Page did just was a lot of reaction against it, and NC OEMS on the issue of oral exams.” that all his life. And, in so doing, he for- [State Senator] Nancy Chase was a real Deputy Chief Harmelink recalls, ever changed the face of emergency advocate for the rescue squad boys, and “They saw the law as a threat, and they health care in North Carolina and they weren’t hesitant to get her involved were afraid they couldn’t pass the test. around the globe. JOP against this thing. … And there was Therefore, [they] would not become [State Senator and funeral home ambu- certified and would lose stature. … William K. Atkinson, PhD, MPH, MPA, lance owner] Ollie Harris. He was a very They didn’t mind sitting through the EMT-P, is president and CEO of strong and close advocate for the squads program, but they sure didn’t want any- WakeMed Health and Hospitals, Raleigh, in his area. ... Right away, this thing body to test their competence. ... I knew N.C. Atkinson was mentored by Jim Page went in the face of their people, and people that wanted an oral exam, but we and has devoted more than 30 years of Ollie Harris and Nancy Chase saw their [the NC OEMS] held firm on the issue his career to improving our nation’s emer- volunteers being threatened, and so did of no oral testing.” gency care system. The first-person a lot of other people. We didn’t want As a direct result of political pressure accounts in this tribute were drawn from that to occur. We wanted their buy-in, from isolated rescue squads, I.O. research he conducted for his dissertation.

18 James O. Page Legacy By Mary Newman A Class ACT Jim Page’s push for improved cardiac care

t was 1980, and I had just com- which then consisted of Jim, Jane pleted EMT training in Boston Seymour, Brad Smith and Keith and then moved to New Jersey Griffiths, who was operating the West with three small children in tow. Coast office of JEMS out of his I began to volunteer as a CPR instruc- California home. In an era when it was tor for the American Heart Association unheard of, I was able to work part-time (AHA) and also attempted to volunteer in the office and part-time at home, on the local first aid squad, which with Fisher Price people and Legos shunned me at first because I didn’t underfoot and “C is for Cookie” playing have a husband, brother or father in the in the background. fire department. One of my first assignments for ACT Then I received a complimentary was to write a report on the first issue of JEMS, the Journal of Emergency Conference on Citizen CPR held in Over the years, Jim racked up millions of Medical Services—an event, it would Houston earlier that year. The confer- frequent flyer miles while traveling to speak- turn out, that would change my life. I ence was hosted by the National Heart ing engagements that would advance EMS. noticed the JEMS office was located in Center at Baylor College of Medicine, nearby Basking Ridge, and I called to and co-hosted by the ACT Foundation, saving lives. Although I didn’t realize it at see if I could get a job interview. I was the Junior League of Houston, and the the time, I was incredibly fortunate that looking for an opportunity to be National Heart Lung and Blood James O. Page was my first boss and men- involved in EMS and write, while still Institute at the National Institutes of tor. He introduced me to many of the being with my children as much as pos- Health. The keynote session was nation’s movers and shakers in EMS and sible. I sent in my résumé and writing “Citizen CPR: The Past, the Present provided great opportunities for learning samples and soon received a note from and the Future,” and the keynote speak- and growth. He taught me not only about Jim Page, who invited me to come to his ers were Jim Page, Leonard Cobb, MD, EMS and ECC, but also about the impor- office the following week. of the University of Washington, and tance of staying focused on the goal—sav- I was in awe of Jim from the Kevin McIntyre, MD, of Harvard ing lives—despite the obstacles. moment I met him. He had so much Medical School. Other luminaries In the early 1980s, Jim fostered intelligence and expertise, and such a speaking at the conference included many important contributions to ECC, commanding presence. At the same Archer Gordon, MD, A. James Lewis, including: time, he connected instantly with MD, Mickey Eisenberg, MD, PhD, C. • Delivery of countless speeches everyone he met—no matter their P. Dail, Royce Britton, and Michael calling for widespread citizen stature—with his broad smile, twin- DeBakey, MD. CPR training; kling eyes and genuine interest. Another of my early assignments • Publication of CPR Citizen, Jim was publisher of JEMS and also was to serve as program manager for a beginning in 1978 as a quarterly executive director of the Advanced Technical Support Services for EMS newsletter and then, in 1981, as Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation, program, sponsored by the U.S. Fire a monthly column in JEMS; a not-for-profit organization dedicated Administration and administered by • Development of a widely distrib- to improving the emergency cardiac the ACT Foundation. The program uted booklet, CPR and the Law; care (ECC) capabilities of EMS agen- matched fire departments across the • Launch of the Born of Necessity cies across the United States. I remem- United States that were interested in Fire Service/EMS Management ber Jim smiling in our first meeting and initiating or upgrading their basic and Seminar series, presented by the saying something to this effect: “Wait, advanced life support capabilities with Federal Emergency Management you’re a CPR instructor, you like to experts who served as mentors. Jim Agency and organized and con- write, and you’re willing to fight the sys- developed and cultivated the program, ducted by ACT; tem so that you can volunteer as an which provided free technical assis- • Publication of The CPR Bluebook: EMT? You’re in!” Jim, as I would come tance to thousands of fire departments A Program Management Guide; to find out, had a tendency to challenge over the next several years. • Working with the Writers’ Guild the system himself, always championing During these early days of EMS, I of America and the television the truth and what was correct, even marveled at Jim’s visionary leadership, industry to promote citizen CPR when it was politically incorrect and his strong sense of ethics, his incredible training through the mass media would stir up controversy. talent for persuasive writing and motiva- and to ensure the accuracy of its In short order, I joined the team, tional speaking, and his pure passion for depiction;

James O. Page Legacy 19 • Development of nationally dis- Crusade for Improved Cardiac Care tributed videos, including A Life in Your Hands and Cavalcade of “If it were possible to elect a small handful of people who could remain at their prime for- CPR; ever because of all they bring to the world just by being themselves, one of my votes would • Guiding research projects that have gone to Jim Page. Jim was a very big man who achieved much, not through ego and evaluated the status of CPR personal ambition but by having room in his enormous personality for everyone else who was out there achieving. There is only one beginning for every movement, and only one opportu- training in schools and busi- nity for the right person at the right time to assume the role of ‘father,’ or now ‘grandfather,’ nesses nationwide; of that movement. For EMS, it was Jim Page. By definition, there can never be another.” • Sponsorship of the 1982 —Ken Stults, Health Services Integration Inc., Santa Rosa, California Conference on Citizen CPR in Kansas City, Mo., and the 1984 “Jim was not only a visionary, but an excellent speaker and communicator. The one thing Conference on Citizen CPR in that always impressed me was Jim’s ability to effectively challenge the norm whether it was you as an individual, an organization or local, state or national direction. These challenges Omaha, Neb.; and resulted in many lifesaving improvements and innovations in the field of emergency medical • Launch of ACT’s own “first services and emergency cardiac care.” major educational conference,” —C.P. Dail, American Red Cross, Falls Church, Virginia EMS Today, in 1982. In December 1983, Jim announced “I am proud to have received Jim’s help in founding the ACT Foundation of Canada in the closing of the ACT Foundation with 1983, when he passed the torch as executive director of the original American ACT. We were an editorial in JEMS. Unlike many not- years behind the United States in the area of citizen CPR training and EMS at that time. Jim’s wisdom, vision, mentoring and endless enthusiasm and encouragement helped lay the for-profit organizations that “forget the foundation for the achievements we are so proud of today.” noble goals of their founders” and —Sandra Clarke, Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario “become protective bureaucracies,” Jim and his board of directors had reviewed “Jim had an incredible impact on the CPR crusade, in particular in the second half of the ACT’s accomplishments, and deter- ’70s, as training of the lay public caught on. The role of the ACT Foundation and Jim’s per- mined it had achieved its original goals sonal contributions in lobbying the case for public CPR training can hardly be overestimated.” —Tore Laerdal, Laerdal Companies Worldwide, Stavanger, Norway and it was time to move on. “It’s been the best job I will ever have,” Jim said. “I first met Jim Page at the 1980 Conference on Citizen CPR. It was there that I realized His return to California with his new what a visionary he was. His founding of the ACT Foundation created a model that many wife, Jane, marked a change in venue, but could emulate to perpetuate educational activities, particularly for CPR instructors and those not a change in passion for the cause. Jim in the emergency medical professions. He was instrumental in advising those who founded continued to play an active role in the the Citizen CPR Foundation as we know it today.” —William Montgomery, MD, Citizen CPR Foundation, Lenexa, Kansas Conference on Citizen CPR, which was held on a biennial basis and continues today in the form of the Citizen CPR Foundation’s Emergency Cardiac Care a hotel without AEDs. The widow was haps because, in his case, an AED was Update. It was always his dream that it considering filing a lawsuit. readily available. would be a forum for CPR instructors When Keith Griffiths called me with Maybe Jim’s legacy is not only what that would emphasize the need for every the news of Jim’s sudden death, I was he taught us through his life, but what citizen on earth to learn these basic life- incredulous. How could it be that one of he taught us through his death. We’ve saving skills. His impassioned pleas res- the preeminent national leaders in made major strides in the national cru- onated during speeches he delivered at emergency cardiac care, with no known sade to improve ECC, but we need to do these conferences over the years. heart condition, one who vigorously pur- so much more. It is unacceptable in this Jim continued to promote innovative sued a healthy, active life, could die from day and age that most SCA victims still ideas about emergency cardiac care sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) while swim- die because early intervention measures through JEMS, including the early ming in a health club that had no AED do not occur or effective treatment papers on EMT-defibrillation, “Phone on site? How could this happen to Jim? arrives too late. First!” and the Chain of Survival. When I heard his memorial service It is my hope that we can continue Jim also helped create the Citizen was to be on Sept. 16, I realized with Jim’s work and reach the threshold of CPR Foundation’s newsletter, Currents regret that I would be unable to attend. promise he envisioned, when survival in Emergency Cardiac Care, which Still, I knew in my heart that Jim would from SCA becomes the norm, not the became a joint publication of the foun- be smiling from above to know the rea- exception. It is the least we can do in dation and the AHA and continues to son: I would be in Washington, D.C., at his memory. JOP enjoy a wide readership today. a meeting of the SCA Survivor Network, I last saw Jim in January 2004 when surrounded by dozens of people of all Mary Newman is executive director of he received the Ronald D. Stewart Award ages from across the country—survivors the National Center for Early Defib- at the annual meeting of the National who would not be here today but for the rillation (NCED) at the University of Association of EMS Physicians. We passion and dedication of champions Pittsburgh, home of the SCA Survivor spoke a few times after that. Our last like Jim. I could not help but notice that Network. Newman worked at the ACT communication was particularly note- one of the survivors present at this Foundation in the early 1980s and has worthy: Jim called to discuss a case in meeting was another James, James been a contributing editor to JEMS since which a man had died suddenly during McCooey, 11, who also suffered SCA then. For information about NCED, visit his daughter’s wedding reception, held in while swimming, but who survived, per- www.early-defib.org.

20 James O. Page Legacy By Keith Griffiths A Real Page Turner

Jim’s vision & persistence result in launch of JEMS

gested I call and interview Jim Page, executive director of the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation and an already growing legend, for an article I was writing. To this day, I recall that first conversation with Jim. He had that signature resonant voice, so confi- dent, so articulate. He was willing to take a stand, unlike many others who would waffle on answers, afraid they might offend someone. What a great interview! Jim contributed in a number of ways to Emergency, including writing an article in our December 1978 issue, which won Emergency its first award for best magazine in its category. By that time I was managing editor. Jim confessed to me his frustrations with the current EMS publications. There were real problems in EMS that needed to be confronted, he said. Jim admired Simmons’ efforts to try to tackle problems head-on, but felt that Paramedics International didn’t have the circulation and reputation to make a real difference. He felt the other pub- lications were too timid, unwilling to investigate the topics that most needed to be addressed (and which may not have made advertisers and some indus- try leaders happy). Jim asked me if I thought Glenn n the late 1970s, at least four pub- Jim wasn’t deterred. Hare would be willing to sell lications claimed to serve the Emergency was owned by the inven- Emergency to him. When I told him national EMS market: Emergency, tor of the Hare traction splint, Glenn that Hare would not sell, Jim bought EMS Magazine, The National Hare, and published by DynaMed the failing Paramedics International EMTI Journal and a little quarterly Corp. in Carlsbad, Calif. It began life as from Simmons for $1. He planned to called Paramedics International. The a newsletter, Emergency Product News, turn it into a new monthly publication latter was published erratically by Los in 1972, largely to help DynaMed mar- and asked me to be the managing edi- Angeles paramedic Ron Simmons, who ket its own growing stable of emergency tor. How could I refuse? had enlisted Jim Page as a contributing care products. I was hired as an assis- I vividly remember the warm sum- editor and gave him his first taste of tant editor there in 1977, straight out mer afternoon in Cardiff, Calif., in the magazine business. It was a of journalism school. 1979 when we sat at my hand-me- crowded field for the young EMS pub- After a few weeks on the job, Linda down kitchen table, going over the lishing industry by any measure, but Olander, the general manager, sug- budget for our first issue. I showed him

James O. Page Legacy 21 issue to issue, just happy had the natural instincts to be a story- to get the next edition teller—to allow the information he out, hoping that success wanted to deliver to emerge from a story might be just around the that had a beginning, a middle and an corner. One good thing end, with conflict and resolution—and about living on the finan- always involving people. He included all cial edge was that you the elements that keep readers engaged didn’t really have any- and make abstract principles more rele- thing to lose. We could vant and accessible. afford to be bold and Jim shut down the ACT Foundation contentious without fear in 1983 and moved to California, where that advertisers would we could consolidate offices. He took a pull out … because we little apartment in the coastal town of didn’t have any! Solana Beach near our office—quite a As we gained sub- difference from the beautiful, spacious scribers year after year home he was restoring in New Jersey and as advertisers saw when I first met him. the value of associating For 18 years, we worked side by side Jim and Keith celebrating the fifth anniversary of Rescue with a magazine their on an assortment of challenges, from try- Magazine, that was later folded into FireRescue Magazine. customers respected, it ing to change the culture of EMS to fig- became obvious that Jim uring out creative ways to pay the printer detailed expenses that I’d already cut to had read the audience correctly. There and get our next issue out. Jim made me the bone. was a market for this combination of a partner in the business after a few “Can you do it for half that?” he investigative journalism and cajoling edi- years, and, as with any partnership, there asked. I didn’t know how we were going torials. We attracted bright, energetic were high points and low points. to pull it off, but I knew I couldn’t resist paramedics who believed in this vision, We also had our share of disagree- the challenge of being part of some- who knew our audience and who knew ments. Years later, when I began a new thing so important, and for a man so how to write—people like Jim and Kate business, I found myself reflecting on compelling. And so JEMS, the Journal Dernocoeur, Thom Dick, Mike Taigman and using lessons that Jim had of Emergency Medical Services, was and Keith Kneely, to name a few. patiently (and occasionally impatiently) born. (Jim purposely chose an acronym Through JEMS, Jim gave EMTs and impressed upon his young editor dur- and the term journal to connote the paramedics a voice and, just as impor- ing those early years—lessons that I serious nature of the endeavor. He tant, recognition. He had high expecta- hadn’t been able to absorb originally, would spend the next 20 years correct- tions of the people who cared for the ill but which had been percolating for ing people who referred to his creation and injured, and his fundamental years, waiting for the right time to as JEMS Magazine.) respect for them and their duty showed make their debut. Looking back, it was an unexplain- in his writing. In my last e-mail to him several able act of faith that Jim would allow When you’re trying to influence peo- months before his death, I made a me, a 25-year-old kid, to shepherd his ple, writing matters. Jim was the most point of saying so and thanking him. I dream to life. I’ll be forever grateful for gifted writer I’ve ever worked with. He was inspired to do so while at a confer- his confidence. We put out the final issue of Paramedics International in the fall of 1979, with a cover depicting a hardened paramedic against a backdrop of actual newspaper headlines calling out controversy and problems. Although not always bylined, and some- times under his pseudonym of Sinclair Germaine, Jim wrote many of the arti- cles in that last issue of Paramedics International and in the first issue of JEMS (March 1980) to make sure we set just the right editorial tone. At first, money was extremely tight. The country was in a recession in 1980, and interest rates hovered around 14%. Jim drew on his ACT Foundation fund- ing to cover expenses as best he could. For the first year, our editorial “offices” were the extra bedroom in my rented Jim founded JEMS in 1980 to serve the information needs of the prehospital EMS community. condominium and Jim’s ACT Foun- He wrote much of the first issue (left) in March 1980 himself. He continued to write for JEMS dation office in New Jersey. We lived until his death. His final column appeared in October 2004 (right).

22 James O. Page Legacy Jim’s publishing empire included FireRescue magazine. FireRescue was launched in March 1997, after Jim merged Firefighter’s News and Rescue Magazine. The result: a publication that served the needs of modern-day firefighters. ence of cardiac arrest survivors. No through the ranks with Jim’s direct and sun broke out as if on cue to welcome irony there … indirect inspiration at every step. As Bill three medical and rescue helicopters in so eloquently noted, his story was but a fly-by, featuring the missing-man for- Jim’s legacy of inspiration one of hundreds, if not thousands. mation, and a procession of dozens of One of Jim’s greatest gifts was his ability So many people at the memorial serv- EMS vehicles and fire apparatus. It was to find good people with good values, ice—and many more who could not a show of respect that he had truly point them in the right direction and attend—could point to an interaction earned. then say, “Go get it,” with hefty doses of with Jim that led to crucial decisions, Not long before his death, Jim told encouragement along the way. His peo- new career paths, new opportunities and me he loved retirement, but missed actively helping to build an organiza- tion. By that, I think he meant recruit- I didn’t know how we were going to pull it ing people and mentoring them to find off, but I knew I couldn’t resist the challenge personal fulfillment in the service of a worthwhile cause. of being part of something so important for Jim was a man of many talents, a man so compelling. many accomplishments and many roles. I believe his career as a publisher was particularly important to him, and to ple embraced their work. He trusted his a passion for what they did. Jim’s dedica- the EMS industry. He was able to reach employees to go beyond his expectations, tion to improving patient care was so thousands of people that he would have and he was repaid in spades. In the early potent that you couldn’t resist climbing otherwise been unable to connect with. years, he was blessed to have such aboard his bandwagon. It made your “Never argue with someone who employees as Rick Minerd, Gary work—your life—more meaningful. If buys ink by the barrel,” he wrote in his Williams, Mary Newman, Dana Bies, you were “just an EMT” or even a lowly first editorial for JEMS. There were Betty Till, Tami Valencia, Betty Scalice assistant editor, Jim’s personal attention those who disagreed with Jim, but I and Vivian Griffiths, to name just a few. filled you with confidence, pride and a don’t recall anyone who ever won the As with anyone willing to take risks, passion to prove him right. argument. JOP Jim didn’t bat a thousand with all his One sign that you’ve built a great decisions on people or projects, and he organization is that it can live on without Keith Griffiths is the founding editor of would be the first to admit to, and laugh you. Even after selling Jems Com- JEMS. He is currently president of The at, his blunders. More importantly, he munications in 1993 to Times Mirror RedFlash Group, a firm that provides was willing to take risks and encouraged Corp., Jim’s vision has flourished. His strategic marketing services for associa- risk-taking in all who worked with him. legacy lives on, largely because his per- tions, not-for-profits and commercial Bill Atkinson, PhD, president of sonal philosophy has been so ingrained firms in public safety. He is chairman of WakeMed, a North Carolina hospital in the fabric of his creation—so much the board for the National Academies of system and one of the speakers at Jim’s so, in fact, that the JEMS tagline now Emergency Dispatch and sits on the advi- memorial service, told how Jim had reads: “The Conscience of EMS.” (In sory boards for the National Center for inspired him, beginning in high school contrast, Glenn Hare sold Emergency in Early Defibrillation, the National with the television show Emergency! 1998, and it folded a few years later.) Institute for Urban Search and Rescue (See p. 12.) Starting as an EMT, Bill rose As Jim’s memorial service ended, the and the Western Publications Association.

James O. Page Legacy 23 Tipping the Scales As an attorney, Jim fought to protect the interests of the individual provider & firefighter

any of the tributes to even his opposition. Jim Page in the days Over the years, and particularly so and weeks following his after we became law partners with Jim, death seemed to sum- we came to appreciate not only his marizeM his life with sequentially ordered extraordinary mind, but also the pas- terms: “James O. Page—fire chief, sion of his heart. Jim always encour- Emergency! technical advisor, attorney, aged us to evaluate the impact of a state EMS director, author, publisher, solution or strategy on the front-line father of modern-day EMS …” The EMT, firefighter or paramedic. term lawyer or attorney would almost Like many attorneys, Jim developed always find its way into the mix. But for particular interest and expertise in cer- a man with so many accomplishments tain areas of the law. He studied, wrote and titles, referring to Jim Page as a and passionately worked to ensure that lawyer seemed almost anticlimactic. “due process” was brought into all deci- Not only was Jim an attorney—night sions affecting individuals—within EMS schooled and admitted to the California organizations and fire departments, as bar while serving in the Los Angeles well as in the state systems that certified County Fire Department—he was an and regulated EMS personnel. Over the years, Jim conducted more than extraordinary one at that. Jim embodied He was as knowledgeable as any 100 mock trials to educate prehospital what it means to be an attorney. He had attorney in the United States on the personnel on the importance of quality a passion for justice and a commitment application of labor and employment patient care and complete documentation. to public service; discharged his duties laws to the fire and EMS sectors and with fidelity, civility, competence and was one of the leading experts on the coladas, Jim continued his personal integrity; and maintained a lifelong complex California laws dealing with tradition of helping EMTs, paramedics desire to grow, learn and improve. exclusive operating areas and market and firefighters on a pro bono basis— Although some may have looked at rights for EMS agencies. meaning that he took their cases and Jim’s status as a lawyer as merely Through his writings, teaching and took up their causes without taking another credential, no doubt reinforced legal practice, Jim became the nation’s their money. by the fact that he was never a full-time first “EMS attorney,” and holds the dis- He volunteered his time, energy and practitioner, Jim had a brilliant legal tinction of being the prototype for this expertise to help those he believed were mind, and legal adversaries who under- discipline. Those of us who became being unfairly treated by their employ- estimated him did so at their own peril. lawyers with an eye toward serving ers or EMS agencies. Jim was person- Practicing law was no casual hobby EMS, public safety and the ambulance ally offended by the notion that or secondary venture for Jim. When he industry, did so only after Jim showed arbitrary or capricious administrative took on a case, whether or not he was us that such a career choice was a wor- action could deprive a worthy provider being paid (and often he was not), he thy calling. Jim “blazed the trail” for the of his or her livelihood. He fought to studied and prepared vigorously. As any- rest of us and helped us along that trail protect the interests of the individual one who attended one of Jim’s presenta- if we faltered or stumbled. provider, the party who was often at a tions knows, he was an exceptional Jim was a firm believer in giving significant disadvantage in terms of orator whose presence dominated every something back to the EMS community. money, resources and power. Jim room he entered. That presence carried After years of struggle and incurring helped level the playing field, and when into the courtroom, where Jim, through personal debt while building Jems he was involved, it most often tipped a combination of civility, competence Communications, Jim, in his words, the scales in the provider’s favor. and his mere presence, effectively and “realized every entrepreneur’s dream” In the summer of 1999, we (Doug ardently presented his case while retain- when he sold Jems in 1993. But instead and Steve) were both working in the ing the respect of judges, juries and of sitting on a beach sipping piña Harrisburg, Pa., offices of large, 400+

24 James O. Page Legacy By Doug Wolfberg, JD, & Steve Wirth, JD

attorney law firms. We got together at an EMS conference (in fact, it was the first EMS Insider Symposium, held at a resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania). After a dinner filled with pleasant discussion about the need for attorneys dedicated to EMS, we solidi- fied our mutual desire to strike out of the bureaucracy of the large law firm and concentrate our legal practices on EMS law “on our own.” Jim was at the conference, too, but that weekend, we kept the idea to our- selves. A few days later, the two of us had lunch and talked about calling Jim to pick his brain about the idea of forming a new national EMS law firm. We also thought about asking Jim to join us as a partner in the firm, but figured that he’d say he was The Three Amigos: Steve Wirth, Jim Page and Doug Wolfberg. too busy to seriously consider it. The two of us sat in the home office of the Wolfberg residence one day in late launched the firm, he participated in we have a special responsibility in summer 1999 and placed a call to Jim on many of the firm’s decisions and was upholding it. Jim would always tell us a speakerphone. We told him of our idea involved in several cases. Jim also worked how proud he was to have his name as and asked whether there might be a mar- as an expert witness in EMS malpractice part of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth. We ket for such a firm. Jim relayed the his- cases and other types of litigation. He would respond that the pride was ours tory of the still-nascent development of played a role in numerous seminars, and that we would continue to represent EMS law as a discipline and traced the workshops and mock trial programs we our clients in a way that would impress past efforts of those who made a go of it. conducted or participated in across the him. Now, more so than ever, our desire Jim was pleased and enthusiastic that country. He took his involvement with to make Jim proud infuses our every we were discussing such an undertaking. the firm seriously and was always there to word and deed. We are committed to As the call progressed, we casually provide guidance, business experience upholding the honor and memory of this inquired as to Jim’s interest in joining and a lifetime of wisdom. Being able to phenomenal man and his legacy as a pio- such a firm, if we were ever to form it. call Jim our law partner was the honor of neering attorney in our field. Our exact wording was a bit vague so as our professional lives. Jim Page was many things to many not to feel embarrassed for bringing it A few days after Jim’s death, we were people. To us, he was a colleague, confi- up. It went something like, “Uh, Jim, to commiserating with a mutual friend in dant, mentor and friend. He will con- what degree could you see yourself California who knew him well. In the tinue to serve as a role model for becoming aligned with such a venture?” Much to our surprise, Jim said that Jim embodied what it means to be an he’d love to be a part of it! Having started several successful ventures, he was, at attorney. He had a passion for justice heart, an entrepreneur. He loved the cre- & a commitment to public service. ativity and challenge of forming a new business out of nothing but the raw materials of vision, energy and a few dol- course of the conversation, the friend generations of lawyers who practice lars of seed money. He told us that being noted that Page, Wolfberg & Wirth was EMS law—a legal specialty that likely part of a firm would give him the ability the only surviving entity that Jim ever put would not exist had Jim Page not lived. to formalize his legal work more—and his name on. This was a powerful state- We are pleased to help Jim’s legacy live provide a conduit through which he ment, and we immediately recognized on through the work of the James O. could practice law in his “retirement” the weight of it. Professionally, Jim cre- Page Charitable Foundation. JOP years. He didn’t ask for time to think ated many things that survive him: Jems about it or to reflect on the decision—he Communications, JEMS and FireRescue Doug Wolfberg and Steve Wirth, along said yes immediately. We talked about Magazine, the EMS Today conference, with the late Jim Page, are attorneys, for- having his name lead the firm banner, books and articles, and countless other mer EMS providers, and founding part- recognizing that we were asking him to programs. But this comment drove home ners of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth LLC, a pledge the most valuable collateral he the fact that we were actually heirs to national EMS, ambulance and medical possessed: his name and the impeccable something special: the legacy of Jim transportation industry law firm. Visit the reputation attached to it. He did so with- Page, the lawyer. Jim gave us his name, James O. Page Memorial on the firm’s out hesitation. and it will remain on the door of this firm Web site, www.pwwemslaw.com, for more Although Jim was semi-retired and as a living testament to his legacy. information on the life and career of Jim never practiced law full-time after we As heirs to Jim’s legacy as attorneys, Page, the lawyer.

James O. Page Legacy 25 The Man & His Machines Showcasing Jim’s passion for the preservation & restoration of antique fire apparatus

t was Jim Page’s nature to immerse Project 51 & the himself in his trade, hobbies and restoration of Squad 51 personal life. He accomplished In one major project, Jim spent two years many things in his life, but at his working with actors Randolph Mantooth coreI he was a firefighter. He had a pas- and Kevin Tighe and several committees sion for fire service history and fire appa- to restore Squad 51 of TV’s Emergency! ratus that was simply an extension of his fame to its original beauty. He also passion for the profession. Jim had a helped organize a cross-country tour of wealth of knowledge about apparatus, the restored vehicle in conjunction with pumps, engine configuration and more, the placement of key equipment and and he put that knowledge to work Emergency! artifacts in the Smithsonian through the preservation and restoration Institution in 2000. of antique fire apparatus. Jim helped form Project 51, a not-for- profit organization, to share with the pub- Rescue 11 lic the history of EMS in the United Jim’s “baby” was Rescue 11, a 1947 States and the vital role that the television Ford panel wagon that was a twin to his series Emergency! played in creating a Jim with his “baby,” the restored Rescue 11. first assigned rescue vehicle. In mid- demand for on-site medical treatment. 1959, Jim’s first assignment upon grad- Project 51 worked toward this objective prised McDonald by giving the rig to uating from the training tower of the by sponsoring a national tour. Randolph him—with the stipulation that Jim could Los Angeles County Fire Department Mantooth volunteered his time for this “borrow” it whenever he wanted to give (LACoFD) was at Fire Station 11 in the project and traveled across the country, his grandchildren rides on the majestic city of Alta Dena. On completion of his making personal appearances to promote old truck, something he did his last two six-month probationary period, he was EMS. The tour also featured the com- Christmas seasons. assigned to Rescue 11. pletely restored Squad 51 and the original At the time of his death in September Jim loved his involvement in the res- medical equipment and wardrobe used on 2004, Jim was in the process of restoring cue program and always cherished his Emergency! Money raised through the a 1924 R.E.O. fire engine with the assis- memories of racing throughout the dis- sale of merchandise and memorabilia was tance of his long-time friend, Randy trict in the well-equipped (for the time donated to benefit fire service charities. Clark. Clark had restored Rescue 11 for period), one-seat, underpowered panel The highlight of the Project 51 tour Jim. The old R.E.O. once served the truck. was a stop at the National Mall in Montebello (Calif.) Fire Department, Years later, after he had retired from Washington, D.C., in May 2000 to offi- which appealed to Jim because of his LACoFD and become successful in the cially launch EMS Week. In recognition early history with that department. publishing business, Jim began a search of the impact of Emergency! on fire serv- Jim’s wife, Jane, has donated the for the old Rescue 11. Unable to locate ice history, the show’s original artifacts R.E.O. to the Los Angeles County Fire the original, Jim found and bought two (donated by Universal Studios) were Museum, and the staff is in the process identical models, each in a state of dete- inducted into the Smithsonian Museum of completing its restoration in Jim’s rioration, and began his re-acquaintance of American History. honor. Currently only about 50% com- with an old friend. plete, the restoration won’t be finished The “new” Rescue 11 is equipped The old hose carrier & until 2006. Much work lies ahead, but with a modern chassis and a high- Jim’s last restoration project every effort is being made to complete performance power plant, but the exte- In 2000, Jim bought a 1956 Ford hose the project and produce a restoration rior and equipment area are accurate wagon from the Vernon (Calif.) Fire that would have made Jim happy. JOP representations of the original. Jim drove Department and asked fire apparatus Rescue 11 all over the country, visiting restorer, Mike McDonald of Valley Paul Schneider is a third-generation fire- countless fire stations along the way. It Center, Calif., to restore it for him. fighter with LACoFD. He serves as presi- was his pride and joy. When the job was complete, Jim sur- dent of the LA Fire Museum board.

26 James O. Page Legacy By Paul Schneider

Jim’s Role with the L.A. County Fire Museum

In late 1999, Jim attended a board meeting The museum is now structured far more of the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum efficiently due to Jim’s guidance and is poised Association at the request of museum board to make its first real effort toward realizing its member Dave Boucher. Jim was impressed goals. The museum association hopes to with the museum’s collection and goals. acquire a new facility conducive to public vis- I was president of the board at the time. itation and large enough to house its collec- Jim became involved with the board and tion of more than 40 pieces of apparatus and soon became the vice president. His knowl- growing collection of fire and rescue artifacts. edge of the law was quickly put to use in The association plans to obtain and display reviewing and updating the museum’s hand-drawn/volunteer-era equipment, appa- bylaws. Jim became a member of the board ratus from the horse-drawn era, early motor- of directors in January 2002. ized equipment, rigs from the Roaring ’20s, Jim brought a level of respect and prestige the Fabulous Firefighting ’50s, truck compa- to our museum that had not been witnessed nies and rescues. before. His keen business sense and leadership The museum intends to make Jim’s con- skills assisted greatly in pulling together pre- tribution to EMS a central focus in the Rescue existing projects and creating new ones that display area. His history with LACoFD and the have resulted in a brighter financial position for Carlsbad and Monterey Park fire departments the organization. It was Jim’s desire to have the will also be showcased. Engine 382, on which collection tell the story of firefighting and EMS in Jim served as an engineer with LACoFD, is in the United States, while highlighting the history the collection and will be an important piece of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. of Jim’s exhibits.

Top right: Jim’s passion for cars got an early start. Above: Jim Page and Paul Schneider pose with one of Jim’s favorite rigs, Engine 382, a 1957 four-wheel drive Yankee/Calavar Brush Engine. Right: Jim takes a work in progress out for a test drive.

Above: Jim could never resist the opportunity to take a rig out for a spin. Above right: Jim satisfies his need for speed in 2002 at the Richard Petty Driving School. Bottom right: Jim poses with his high school hot rod.

James O. Page Legacy 27 What We Remember … Jim’s spirit lives on in his family, friends & colleagues

Every time I get on the fire engine to respond on a call, I think of him and smile. You always told me the best day of your life He had a love for the fire service/EMS community that was surpassed only by his was the day that I was born. My favorite love for his family. memory was the day you told Andy and me Captain Andy Page, Son, Poway Fire Department, Poway, California that you considered us to be your very best friends. Beyond your life achievements, those words echoing in my heart will forever be the most cherished gift you ever gave me. Tom Page, Son, Photographer, Carlsbad, California

Jim was consumed with excellence in everything thing he did: as a teacher and as a servant to public safety, to his community and to his many friends. Dick Judd, PhD, EMSI, New Britain, Connecticut

Jim takes the grandkids for a Christmas spin.

The EMS community lost a great friend; we, how- ever, lost a great dad, grandfather, mentor and all- knowing presence in our lives. I know that he will be watching down on the grandkids as they go through those milestones in their lives—especially that first car (he would have loved tinkering with them) and the possibilities beyond. We miss him beyond words. Debbie Ries, Daughter, Attorney, Carlsbad, California

Baby Jim, Circa 1937 Jim at work, LACoFD

You are my hero. Love you [Jim’s] death has hit me particularly hard, and miss you so. but, knowing Jim, he would say, “Bryan, it’s Susan von Beck, your turn to make EMS and the fire service Daughter, Business better.” He’s right. Owner, Duvall, Bryan E. Bledsoe, DO, FACEP, Washington Midlothian, Texas

Like many of you, I couldn’t believe the news: Jim was larger than life and was always supposed to be there when you needed his help and wisdom. Jim with his Aunt Gladys Those of us who were there from the early ’60s know what Jim’s influence and guidance meant to the development of EMS as a chosen career … Denny Kurogi, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas

28 James O. Page Legacy I was a young cocky kid on the set of Emergency! when I saw a tall, imposing man standing in the middle of a chaotic location shoot. With the hustle and bustle of a crew laying down cables, hanging lights, building the sets and pushing the cameras into position, Jim stood serenely in the midst of it all with an almost childlike glee in his eyes. He was living a dream. Randolph Mantooth, Los Angeles, California

Jim participates in a 10K race in Nashville. As youngsters, my little brother and I lived for the thrill of Emergency! Christmas was not complete unless we received a shiny new Emergency! helmet. That passion has transformed A teenage Jim manages to look cool in a vehicle without flashing lights. into a lifelong love. I have been in EMS for more than 15 years and con- Regardless of how he came into your tinue to serve as an agency chief and life, he made it hard to call him any- a county coordinator. My brother has thing but Jim, because above all else, he been in the fire service for nearly 15 was so easy to be your friend. ... He years, and he serves as a fire chief. knew us by name, regardless of our Mark Spiezio, EMT-CC, CIC, EMS rank or title or circumstances. He lis- Coordinator, Fort Edward, New York tened to us patiently, allowing us to lay it all out, guiding us to the solution we No great movement spontaneously springs Jim had vision, courage, insight and a sought, even though he already knew up. All have great leaders and individuals sincere desire to see EMS mature the answer to the problem. He stepped who are instrumental in making the move- and finally gain the respect it so in when we needed a reminder of our ment succeed. Jim was one of these. He justly deserves. We need many more values. He made peace among us when can rightfully be called one of the found- like him. we bickered. He laid the foundation, ing fathers of EMS. Paul M. Paris, MD, FACEP, and then encouraged us to build upon Mickey Eisenberg, MD, PhD, University Center for Emergency Medicine, it by challenging us to strive for optimal of Washington, Seattle, Washington Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania goals, not minimum standards. Steve Kidd, Lieutenant (ret.), Orange County (Fla.) Fire & Rescue, FireRescue Technical Editor

Jim Page is the person I hope I’m a fraction of someday. P. DeFelice, NREMT-P, Pennsylvania

Following his retirement, Jim volunteered his time with the California Highway Patrol.

Jim always has and always will hold a special place in my heart and soul. Jim took me under his wing when I was a young man and gave me something that I would Jim with Rescue 11, 1959 never be able to repay in a dozen lifetimes. Jim gave me opportunity, he took time to impart wisdom and knowledge, and most of all he gave me a friendship that you just Jim Page was the very essence of all knew came direct from his heart. It was a privilege to be able to spend time with a that is EMS. No one was a stronger man of such character, loyalty and integrity that I often felt uncomfortable hoping and more respected advocate for that I did not disappoint him by my actions or my words. EMS, and at the same time no one a Chase N. Sargent, Division Chief more demanding critic of that which Virginia Beach Fire & Rescue Dept., FireRescue Technical Editor needed correction. His legacy to all of us who learned from him compels us I was lucky enough to be seated next to [Jim] at dinner one night during the last to do the same. JEMS conference, and he made for a wonderful evening with stories. I don’t think Roger D. White, MD, Mayo Clinic, he ever forgot a name or a face. Rochester, Minnesota Bill Doss, Paramedic/Firefighter, Miami Fire & EMS, Milford, Ohio

James O. Page Legacy 29 A Fitting Tribute

Memorial service honors the ‘father of modern EMS’

bust of his likeness, which was created upon his retirement and placed in the Julian Stanley Wise Foundation To the Rescue Museum in Roanoke, Va. Remembrances for Jim were poignant and eclectic. Kevin Crawford, chief of the Carlsbad Fire Department, opened with a prayer and welcomed attendees with an overview of Jim’s stunning accomplish- Helmets representing the three fire depart- ments in emergency service. Crawford ments Jim served evoked tears from those pointed out that Jim was more than just a attending the memorial service. measure of his deeds; his very character drew people to him. “He had a presence way. It’s a rare attribute.” about him. You always knew he was in the William Atkinson, president/CEO of room,” Crawford explained, and empha- WakeMed Health Systems in Raleigh, sized the personal connection Jim estab- N.C., and a close friend of Jim’s, lished with those around him. addressed Jim’s family directly. He In the spiritual eulogy, William thanked them for lending Jim to his Hood, chaplain of the L.A. County Fire extended EMS and fire family, adding, Department, echoed that Jim Page was “There’s an empty place in our field, in “many things to many people,” and “at his our world and in our hearts.” Having ourners gathered on very core was a fireman.” He included his known Jim for 31 years, Atkinson mar- Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, own personal anecdotes about their veled at the numerous achievements he to grieve for the loss and shared love of restoring old fire engines. had observed and taken part in with Jim celebrate the life of James Hood also read a stirring letter from Jim’s all over the United States. Among other O.M Page, the “dean of modern emergency wife, Jane, that reflected on the couple’s medical response,” who passed away life, their children and Jane’s gratitude for unexpectedly on Sept. 4, 2004. Nearly their time together. 1,000 friends, family and colleagues from Remembrances were shared by three across the country came together for a other speakers who had known Jim both heartfelt memorial ceremony in Carlsbad professionally and as a friend, but in (Calif.) Community Church. The service diverse ways: highlighted the many stories and achieve- Doug Wolfberg, one of Jim’s partners ments of Jim’s 47-year career in emer- at the law firm of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, gency services. spoke about the privilege of working with Organ music and a classical guitar an idol who then became a partner. with vocals complemented a program of Despite his legendary status in the world genuine, eloquent speakers. The full fire- of EMS, “Jim never looked around the fighter service began with a presentation room when you were talking to him to see of the colors by honor guards from if anyone ‘more important’ was around,” Carlsbad, Los Angeles County, Monterey said Wolfberg. Before the service, Wolfberg Park and Oceanside fire departments, elaborated with a specific memory that and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. related to his early days writing for JEMS. Bagpipers from Orange County Fire “I remember when I wrote my first article Authority and Vista Fire Department back in 1989, and Jim actually thanked played while flower wreaths in the shapes me for making a contribution. Here I was of the Maltese Cross and the Star of Life realizing my dream of finally getting pub- were placed in front of the altar steps. At lished, and Jim was thanking me. … It the podium, firefighters in full-dress uni- was his humility—he made you feel spe- Jim’s dedication to the fire service was form placed chief’s helmets from the cial and important. He let other people acknowledged with a presentation of the col- departments where Jim served next to a shine. … He made everybody feel that ors by five different fire departments.

30 James O. Page Legacy By Kristi Savino/Photos By Bryan Sakamoto

departments. Brunacini humbly intro- duced himself as a Phoenix firefighter and provided the audience with a light- hearted memory of how he used to “amuse” Jim, and how he, like so many others, was awed at the poise and grace of his colleague, whom he referred to as an “elegant man without affectation.” Prior to the memorial service, Brunacini Jim’s four children, Tom Page, Susan von had other glowing comments about Jim. Beck, Debbie Ries and Andy Page shared uplifting family memories of their father with He explained, “There are two parts to being the audience. a visionary: seeing what should be done in the future and then actually doing it. things, Atkinson witnessed Jim bring Visionaries are a dime-a-dozen, but there about North Carolina’s first EMT course, aren’t many like Jim. His vision has pro- help to implement CPR training for res- duced 80% of the activity that the fire cuers, advance the use of critical air service could engage in. In 30 years, he transport, encourage disaster operations changed our service; it was probably the The memorial service ended with a fly-over training (years before Sept. 11), pioneer best change in productivity in the public by three helicopters from the L.A. County the implementation of 9-1-1 into the sector, ever. … He was smart enough and Fire Department, San Diego Fire-Rescue North Carolina phone system and “take enough of a statesman to represent us Department and Mercy Air. the funeral home out of ambulance serv- where we needed it. … And everybody felt ice and [put ambulance service] into the so close to him.” that a final round of applause be given to fire department,” with a controversial Jim’s four children, Tom Page, Susan Jim, a request the audience immediately start in Baytown, Texas. von Beck, Andy Page and Debbie Ries granted with a long, thunderous, stand- Atkinson listed some of the countless also shared memories of their father with ing ovation. monikers for Jim, including father, grand- those in attendance. Tom led the eulogies The ceremony ended with a proces- father, firefighter, rescuer, author and sto- with readings from letters written by his sion of 60 fire apparatuses and ambu- ryteller, but added, “Most of all, he was a children, his grandmother and his cousin, lances from different areas of L.A. and weaver. He connected the dots better all noting the special ways each had San Diego counties, and as far away as than anyone I’ve ever known.” As with remembered Jim. Tom underlined the Las Vegas; the vehicles escorted the most of the speakers, he closed with a goal of lifting the audience’s spirits family to a private service at a nearby warm goodbye to his friend that hinted at because this was a celebration of Jim’s cemetery. Jim’s beloved Rescue 11 and the deep emotion beneath his sentiments, life, and he revealed humorous anecdotes the famous Squad 51 traveled side-by- a message that seemed to resonate with about his father, both from personal expe- side at the front of the procession in a the listeners. rience and the recollections of others. For fitting tribute to Jim. An impressive fly- Also remembering his friend fondly example, Jim’s 97-year-old mother, Marion, over by helicopters from the L.A. was Alan Brunacini, chief of the Phoenix passed on a story about her son’s bout with County Fire Department, San Diego Fire Department, who had known Jim for rheumatic fever as an active 12-year-old Fire-Rescue Department and Mercy Air decades and was a contemporary of his as with a paper route, and how Jim was told brought tears to the eyes of onlookers as they came up the ranks in their respective he would have to stay in bed for at least a the helicopters flew over the long line of month. He kept himself busy reading the emergency vehicles. JOP entire set of Encyclopedia Britannica cover-to-cover, and yet his mother mused Kristi Savino is the JEMS associate editor. over why her son still didn’t get straight As She has an MA in Literature and Publishing in school. from the National University of Ireland, Tom and his siblings left the audience Galway, and a BA in Creative Writing from with a call to carry on their father’s work. Pepperdine University. “Integrate my father’s core values into your life,” said Tom. “Work hard. When the work gets difficult, double your efforts. Don’t be afraid of following your dreams; fear only the possibility of failing to make a difference.” Andy Page, a Poway (Calif.) Fire Department captain, added, “Fight the good fight and encourage others to do the same.” After his family spoke, Andy noted that some members of the audience might not have had the past opportunity Unfilled boots and bunker gear symbolize the Chief Alan Brunacini, whom Jim viewed as a to hear Jim speak and observe the strong loss experienced by the fire service after brother, spoke about Jim’s role as a visionary. applause his speeches received. He asked Jim’s untimely passing.

James O. Page Legacy 31 James O. Page Employment History James O. Page has a work history that spans more than five decades and includes the fields of fire, EMS, law, publishing and public speaking: • January 2000 to September 2004—Partner, Page, Wolfberg & Wirth • September 1979 to December 2001—Founder/Publisher, Jems Communications • April 1986 to January 1989—Fire Chief, City of Monterey Park, Calif. • August 1984 to April 1986—Battalion Fire Chief, City of Carlsbad, Calif. • August 1981 to September 1984—Manager, Technical Support Services Program, U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) • October 1976 to December 1983—Executive Director, ACT (Advanced Coronary Treatment) Foundation, Basking Ridge, N.J. • July 1975 to October 1976—Exec. Director, Lakes Area EMS, Buffalo, N.Y. • December 1973 to February 1975—Chief, North Carolina Office of EMS • November 1959 to November 1973—Firefighter, Firefighter-Specialist, Fire Captain and Battalion Chief, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles, Calif. • August 1957 to November 1959—Firefighter, City of Monterey Park, Calif.

Major Awards & Honors As an EMS visionary, Jim was honored with several prestigious awards: 2004—The American College of Emergency Physicians’ Award for Outstanding Contribution in EMS (first time ever awarded to a non-physician) 2000—First recipient of the James O. Page/JEMS Award, Jems Communications 2000—Designated as a “Fire Service Legacy” (one of the 20 people who were most influential in the American fire service in the 20th Century), Fire Chief Magazine 2000—Mayoral Commendation and Key to the City, Lincoln, Neb. 1999—Certificate of Commendation, County of Los Angeles Fire Department 1995—James O. Page EMS Achievement Award, International Association of Fire Chiefs 1993—Rocco Morando Award for Lifetime Achievement, NAEMT 1990—Decade of Progress Award, American Ambulance Association 1989—Platinum Videotape Award for Home First-Aid Video Library 1988—Lifetime Emeritus Membership, National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch 1980—J.D. Farrington, MD, Award for Excellence, NAEMT 1974—Governor’s Award for Bravery and Heroism, State of North Carolina

Bibliography Jim was a prolific writer, authoring more than 400 magazine and journal articles related to fire protection and EMS, including the Burning Issues column in FireRescue Magazine from March 1997 to December 2004 and the following essays, books, films, etc.: • Simple Advice • Chapter 1, 3rd edition, Managing Fire Services • Making a Difference: Thirty Years of Modern EMS • Foreword, Principles of Emergency Medical Dispatch STEVE BERRY ILLUSTRATION • The Emergency! Companion • Discipline with Due Process James O. Page Charitable Foundation Created • The Home First-Aid Video Library Page, Wolfberg & Wirth has taken the lead in establishing the James O. • The Magic of 3 AM Page Charitable Foundation to carry on Jim’s legacy through the • The Paramedics improvement of EMS and public safety in the United States, with • Emergency Medical Services for emphasis on such areas as EMS and the law, education and EMS leader- Fire Departments ship. Jems/Elsevier supports this noble endeavor. For more information, • Effective Company Command visit www.jamesopage.org.