We are very saddened to report that Dr. Norman McSwain passed away today in his home in New Orleans. Internationally renowned and respected for his pioneering work in trauma care, Dr. McSwain founded NAEMT’s Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) program 30 years ago, and is recognized by our association as the father of NAEMT education.

In addition to his prestigious career as a trauma surgeon, Dr. McSwain was a certified paramedic. He worked tirelessly throughout his career to ensure that EMS practitioners, both in the civilian and military sectors, received the highest quality education to enable them to provide the best care to their patients. He is admired and beloved by the EMS community across our country, as well across the globe, who have been impacted by his vision and passion for excellence in patient care. 

He will be missed by the thousands of people whose lives he touched, but he will live on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, colleagues, students and patients. We send prayers to his family and wish them strength and peace in the coming days.

Read more about Dr. McSwain's prestigious career: