New Orleans EMS: Providing Advanced Life Support to the Crescent City
New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) serves as the primary provider of advanced life support (ALS) for the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Unlike many emergency medical systems in the United States, NOEMS operates as a "third service," meaning it is an independent entity rather than a division of the fire department. Instead, it is operated by the New Orleans Health Department and the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
With a dedicated workforce and a specialized fleet, NOEMS manages the complex demands of a major metropolitan area, from routine medical emergencies to large-scale public events.
Key Facts
- Established: 1947
- Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Fleet: 68 ambulances and 25 fly-cars
- Staffing: 116 full-time paid employees
- Capabilities: Provides both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS)
- Governance: Managed by the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness with financial residence in the Health Department
History and Evolution
Emergency medical transportation in New Orleans dates back to the early 1900s with hospital-based horse-drawn ambulances, with Charity Hospital being a pioneer in the field. The modern agency was established in 1947 as a division of the New Orleans Police Department. During this era, ambulances were known as "Crash Trucks" because their primary role was responding to traffic collisions.
The profession evolved significantly over the following decades: emergency medical technicians (EMTs) began staffing vehicles in the 1960s, and the first paramedics were introduced in 1979. In 1985, the division moved from the police department to the New Orleans Health Department. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, administrative oversight was shifted to the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to enhance coordination and resilience.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
NOEMS is led by a combination of medical and operational leadership to ensure clinical excellence and efficient deployment. The agency is currently headed by Chief William Salmeron, NRP, and Medical Director David Rayburn, M.D.
Medical and Administrative Leadership
The medical side of the organization is supported by Deputy Medical Directors Emily Nichols, M.D., Meghan Maslanka, M.D., and Omar Khattab, M.D. Operationally, the agency is managed by Deputy Chiefs including Christopher Keller (Operations), Cedric Palmisano (Special Operations and Logistics), and Lynn Ramagos, Jr. (Education and Training).
Operational Shifts
To maintain 24/7 coverage, NOEMS utilizes a four-shift rotation schedule (A, B, C, and D), supplemented by swing units as needed. Each shift is managed by a dedicated field supervisor to oversee real-time operations.
Fleet and Specialized Equipment
The NOEMS fleet is designed for both high-capacity transport and rapid intervention. The primary ambulances are Braun Liberty models with Ford Super Duty cabs, featuring a white livery with black stripes and reflective chevron markings for safety.
Rapid Response and Specialized Vehicles
- Sprint Units: Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford PIU SUVs used as non-transporting "Single Paramedic Rapid Intervention" vehicles.
- Special Response Vehicles (SRVs): Including a modified John Deere Gator and two Alternative Support Apparatus (ASAP) off-road vehicles, used for patient extraction in crowded areas like the French Quarter or the Louisiana Superdome.
- Emergency Medical Surge Unit (EMSU-1): A medical ambulance bus capable of transporting 18 stretcher patients, two wheelchair patients, and six medical staff.
Clinical Technology
NOEMS utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient outcomes. All ambulances are equipped with LUCAS 3 v3.1 Chest Compression Systems and LIFEPAK 35 Monitor/Defibrillators. In a significant advancement in prehospital care, NOEMS has implemented the use of ultrasound, finger thoracostomy, and the delivery of packed red blood cells (pRBC) via LifeFlow blood transfusion kits.
Community Impact and Special Operations
As the sole 911 EMS provider for the city, NOEMS is essential for major event coverage. This includes the use of Bike Teams—pairs of EMTs and paramedics trained via the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA)—who navigate the narrow streets of the French Quarter and music festivals.
Beyond emergency response, the agency focuses on preventative health through its Community Outreach Program. This includes the T.A.S.K. (Teaching Awareness and Safety to Kids) program in schools and initiatives aimed at fall prevention for senior citizens.
Agency Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Third Service (Independent of Fire Dept) |
| Primary Fleet | Braun Liberty Ambulances / Ford PIU & Tahoe SUVs |
| Specialized Units | Bike Teams, SRVs, EMSU-1 (Ambulance Bus) |
| Advanced Care | Blood Transfusions, Ultrasound, Finger Thoracostomy |
| Education | ACEP-recognized Prehospital EMS Fellowship |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Orleans EMS part of the fire department?
No, New Orleans EMS operates as a "third service." It is managed by the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and resides financially within the New Orleans Health Department.
What are "Sprint" units?
Sprint units are non-transporting emergency vehicles (Chevrolet Tahoes or Ford PIUs) staffed by a single paramedic for rapid intervention.
How does NOEMS handle crowds in the French Quarter?
NOEMS utilizes specialized Bike Teams and Special Response Vehicles (SRVs), such as the John Deere Gator and ASAP off-road vehicles, to navigate narrow streets and large crowds where full-sized ambulances cannot fit.
What is the Emergency Medical Surge Unit (EMSU-1)?
EMSU-1 is a medical ambulance bus capable of transporting up to 18 stretcher patients and two wheelchair patients, often used as an on-site treatment unit for major events like the Rock 'n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon.
Does NOEMS provide advanced medical treatments in the field?
Yes, NOEMS has implemented advanced field procedures including ultrasound, finger thoracostomy, and the administration of blood transfusions using pRBC and LifeFlow kits.