My Revolutionary Adventures in the Development of Modern Emergency Medical Systems in Our Country

The purpose of this article is to describe my exciting adventures in the development of the emergency medical systems in our country. After my training in plastic surgery at the University of Virginia, I accepted the position of Acting Director of the Emergency Room at the University of Virginia Health Science Center. Working with gifted physicians, basic scientists, nurses, and students, we coordinated the development of an emergency medical system that has been replicated throughout our country. Our system included the following: State legislation for the sexual assault victim, public access by the 9-1-1 telephone number, training of rescue squads, emergency radio communication system, trauma centers, poison control centers, emergency medical plan for the President of the United States, national telecommunications system for the deaf, and the first air medical transportation system in Virginia.