Item 1105: 01105_First EMS Call
Bill Hausinger dispatched Otis L. Owens and Glen Morris to respond to Houston’s first EMS call on April 10, 1971, at 12:30 a.m. The interview opens with a recording of that first call. They then share their experiences in joining the department, serving as firefighters and EMTs, and the values that they have learned along the way. They discuss the challenges faced by African Americans, as well as the initial resistance to bringing EMTs into the fire department. Doing 50-60 runs a day while on the job, the men share stories that range from the amusing to tragic. They speak on the changes and improvements of modern day firefighter and ambulance services. Taking a look at their lives the researcher can hear in their voices that they genuinely care about people. All they want to do is be of service. The bond that these individuals and other firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics have is like family, and although the average person may not think about it, they have built EMS in Houston to what it is today
Dates
- 1996-2017
Conditions Governing Access
Open for research.
Oral history interviews are only available for use when the University of Houston Libraries is in possession of a release form signed by both interviewee and interviewer allowing for such access.
Extent
From the Collection: 25.0 linear feet
Repository Details
Part of the University of Houston Libraries Special Collections Repository
University of Houston Libraries Special Collections
MD Anderson Library
4333 University Drive
Houston TX 77204-2000 USA
713-743-9750