Who was the first to implement a structured EMS system in the U.S.?

The City of Chicago in 1965 is recognized as the first to implement a structured Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system in the United States. This pioneering effort aimed to provide organized pre-hospital emergency care and transport to those in need. Chicago's system was notable for integrating various emergency care providers and establishing protocols that would serve as a model for other cities.

Chicago’s implementation marked a significant shift in how emergency medical care was perceived and organized, moving away from informal systems to established processes that improved response times, medical training, and overall patient outcomes. The success of the Chicago model set the foundation for the development of EMS systems across the nation, influencing legislative and operational standards that would emerge in subsequent years. Other cities, while having their own EMS initiatives, followed the groundwork laid by Chicago, contributing to the evolution of emergency medical services across the U.S.