How Detroit’s 1970s EMTs, paramedics shaped modern first response

In 1972, Detroit founded its Emergency Medical Services unit, pioneering the inclusion of returning military medics, African Americans, and women in formal EMS roles. Key figures like Navy veteran John Robinson and paramedics Gail Clark and Danny Warren faced challenges related to integration and gender biases but persevered to shape the EMS landscape. Charles Corley, one of Michigan's first paramedics, became a mentor to new hires, while Preston West developed a stress management program to address the emotional toll of the job. Their efforts laid the groundwork for future generations of diverse first responders, establishing a legacy of resilience and progress in Detroit's EMS history.