Though an ancillary function of regular patrol work for most of the departments history, Emergency medical services in Jefferson County, as it is known today, began in 1973 with the establishment of the EMS as a defined division of the police.
Under the direction of Captain Leo Goss, several police officers were certified as Emergency Medical Technicians and the tradition of fielding station wagon "stretcher cars" was continued.
Shortly thereafter the police department began hiring non-law enforcement persons to staff basic life support ambulances.
In instances where the paramedic officer was needed to provide advanced care he could park his cruiser and ride to the hospital in the ambulance to be returned to his vehicle later.
In 1978 Non-sworn paramedics were being hired and the police officers' function in front-line care was relegated to administrative duties and on-scene first response.