Chief Jim Page Passes Away Suddenly

[x635 4,066]

This is very sudden. I always enjoyed his interesting articles and his, IMO, awesome opinion. RIP Cheif.

CHIEF JIM PAGE PASSES AWAY SUDDENLY 

www.firefighterclosecalls.com

09-04-04 - It is with deep and extreme sadness that I advise you of the sudden passing of "The Father of Modern EMS", Chief Jim Page. Jim was the founder of JEMS Magazine, Fire-Rescue Magazine, primary advisor of the TV Show "EMERGENCY", a prominent Attorney and former Fire Chief. Jim passed away early this evening while swimming. There are no additional details, but when we have them-we will send out a notifcation on The Secret List.

Jim Page began his fire service career in Los Angeles County in 1957. He served in numerous locations and roles while working his way through the ranks and completing undergraduate education and law school at night. He has been a licensed California attorney since 1971. 

Here is a brief history of a wonderful man and friend to us at FirefighterCloseCalls.com. 

In 1971, Jim was assigned by his department to coordinate the countywide implementation of paramedic rescue services. At the same time, he served as the technical consultant and writer for the “Emergency!” television series. In 1973, he resigned from the fire department to accept the new position of Chief of EMS for the State of North Carolina. 

Jim spent the next ten years based on the east coast. In 1976, he was selected as Executive Director of the non-profit ACT (Advanced Coronary Treatment) Foundation. In 1979, he founded JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services). Over the years, it has become the centerpiece of Jems Communications, the world’s most respected source of information for emergency medical services.

In 1984, Jim returned to the California fire service while maintaining a leadership role in Jems. In 1989, he retired as Fire Chief for the City of Monterey Park (in Los Angeles County) and returned to full-time service as Chairman and CEO of Jems Communications. 

Over the years, Jim Page wrote six books, more than 400 magazine articles and editorials, and given more than 800 public speeches. He has established and funded an EMS educational foundation at Palomar College near San Diego. In 1995 he was honored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs when they created the annual “James O. Page Award of Excellence.” In 2000, he was featured by Fire Chief Magazine as one of the 20 most influential fire chiefs of the 20th Century.

Most recently, while continuing to serve as publisher emeritus of JEMS and FireRescue Magazine, Jim was a partner in the law firm of Page, Wolfberg and Wirth, with offices in California and Pennsylvania. Mr. Page is a father of four, a grandfather of six, a private pilot, and a collector of vintage fire and rescue equipment.

[WAS967 97]

I don't think there are many EMS or Rescue people out there who DON'T know who James Page was. He was a great influence throughout the history of EMS and Fire/Rescue. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will forever be an influence in the Emergency Services. God Speed Chief! We will all miss you.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Got to meet him twice, and both times he invited me to sit with him and we chatted for like 20 mins. Very nice and personable. With ever era comes the loss of genius.

[WAS967 97]

I'm genuinly jealous. Never got to meet him, only know of his legacy from the many people who talk about him, and from the writings and videos he has done. I think Paul says it all:

Like many others, I have known Jim a long time and have held him in highest

regard as a person and a tireless consummate professional.  I had the

pleasure of meeting Jim for the first time in the late fall of 1976 while I

was an EMT student at the College of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (CMDNJ).

Who would have thought that initial meeting would have resulted in an almost

30 year friendship? The CMDNJ program was headed by another EMS leader and

visionary that we have recently lost Jud Fuller.

Jim has always been, not only interested in the "organization" of EMS, but

also the individuals who comprise EMS.  Personally, I found it just

incredible that here is this person that I have read about and seen speak at

many engagements literally on his hands and knees working with aspiring

EMT's and Paramedics on the operation of an early version of the "Robert

Shaw Resuscitator".    That chance meeting truly established my first and

lasting impression of "James O. Page". Jim not only loved EMS, he wasn't

afraid to roll up his sleeves and get in to the middle of something

difficult that would result in making it and us better.

Over the years I have had the pleasure of "rolling up my sleeves" and

working with Jim on a number of projects and issues.  During this period I

enjoyed the privilege of numerous hours of his time learning to look at

issues from all perspectives; always in search of the truth; always with an

eye towards enhancement and the future.  For this I am sure I am a better

person, Paramedic and Chief Officer.

Jim was a giving man.  Whether it was helping EMS grow, assisting the

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians address matters that

impact the "street folks" he so loved, providing guidance to a "rookie" or

donating his time to defend an EMT in trouble, Jim Page did it with wisdom,

sustained energy, great probity, conviction and vision.

This has been a tough 24 months for EMS as a profession.  While I am sure

that there are other EMS pioneers that have passed on that I can't recall at

this writing, during this time frame we've lost the likes of Judson H.

Fuller, James B. Gargan, Leo R. Schwartz, Nancy Caroline MD, Peter Safar MD

and now Jim Page.  The collective loss creates a void that will impact EMS

for a long time.  But while I mourn the loss of James O. Page, I greatly

celebrate his life and friendship.

There are very few constants in EMS.  People will get sick or injured.

Someone will call 9-11 seeking assistance.  EMS will respond to rescue the

afflicted and tend to their injuries in a professional manner.  And last,

but not least, if there was a way to better EMS or an EMS member needed

assistance, Jim Page would be there protecting the protectors, in many cases

engaged in pro bono work defending EMT's and Paramedics that he felt were

being treated unjustly.

Rest in peace my friend and know that you have left a legacy of generosity,

professionalism and saving lives.

Paul M. Maniscalco