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50 years of transformative leadership: The career of Dr. Marvin Wayne

From pioneering AED use, to mentoring a generation of EMS professionals, Dr. Wayne’s remarkable career set new standards for EMS systems worldwide

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Photo/Whatcom County EMS

By Steven Cohen

Dr. Marvin Wayne (Marv) is retiring after an incredible 50 years as the medical program director for Whatcom County EMS in Bellingham, Washington.

Marv Wayne

Stan Olszewski/SOSKIphoto

Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing meals with Marv and his wonderful wife Joan, working alongside him, learning from him, and engaging in many interesting conversations. One thing you should know about Marv is that he doesn’t like to talk about himself, so I’m here to do it for him.

In the world of EMS, few names are as respected as Dr. Marvin Wayne. With over five decades of dedicated service, Marv’s career exemplifies his unwavering commitment to advancing prehospital care and improving outcomes for countless patients. As the Medical Program Director (MPD) for Whatcom County, his influence has reached far beyond the local community, setting standards for EMS protocols and practices nationwide and even globally.

Early beginnings: A passion for medicine

Marv’s journey into the world of medicine began in Detroit. Born with a curiosity for science and a desire to help others, he pursued a medical degree from the University of Michigan, with the goal of making a tangible difference in people’s lives. After completing his medical education, internships and fellowships, he served as a surgeon in Vietnam as Major Wayne, where he once operated on a soldier with an explosive in his abdomen.

After his military service, he was working in Seattle when he took a trip to moonlight in the emergency room in Bellingham, Washington. In the early 1970s, Marv moved to Whatcom County, an area in need of a robust emergency medical system. At the time, EMS was still a relatively new concept, and many areas lacked the organized, professional services that are now commonplace. Marv saw an opportunity to make a significant impact and set about building an EMS system that would serve as a model for others.

Pioneering prehospital care

Marv’s career in EMS truly took off when he moved to Bellingham, though he’ll tell you it wasn’t originally by choice. A colleague mentioned the need for someone to step up in EMS and paramedic training, and Marv took on the challenge.

The first paramedic class was held in his living room. Marv immersed himself in developing the Whatcom County EMS system, dedicating himself to teaching, developing protocols and training personnel.

His work in EMS was groundbreaking, and his efforts helped to professionalize the field globally, particularly with the introduction and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Marv was the first to use an AED outside of a hospital setting. With one shock, the patient’s heartbeat returned.

If you want to hear the full story of Marv’s involvement in AED implementation, you can listen to it on the Medic2Medic podcast (Episode 262).


| MORE: The history of AEDs: From scientific breakthrough to layperson


Leadership in Whatcom County EMS

Marv’s influence in Whatcom County has been profound. As the medical program director for 50 years, he has been the guiding force behind the county’s EMS system. His leadership has been instrumental in implementing advanced life support protocols, integrating new medical technologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among EMS personnel. One of his most significant contributions has been improving cardiac arrest outcomes. Under his guidance, Whatcom County has become a leader in the use of high-performance CPR and the early deployment of video intubation technology.

A commitment to innovation and education

Throughout his career, Marv has been a tireless advocate for innovation in EMS. He has been at the forefront of introducing new technologies and techniques, from the early adoption of airway procedures, ResQ-Pump and chest decompression tools. His forward-thinking approach has ensured that EMS in Whatcom County remains at the cutting edge of medical science.

Education has also been a cornerstone of Marv’s legacy. He has mentored countless EMS professionals, instilling in them the same passion for excellence that has driven his career. His commitment to training the next generation of EMS providers and physicians has left an indelible mark on the field, with many of his protégés going on to become leaders in their own right.

Marv has been a committed educator, frequently presenting at national and international conferences, including pivotal roles in the National Association of EMS Physicians Airway and Surgical Procedure Lab and the State of the Future of Resuscitation conferences. His contributions have greatly influenced EMS training, especially in airway management and resuscitation techniques, which have since become standard practices in EMS systems nationwide.

At a recent EMS conference, we couldn’t walk more than 10 feet without someone stopping Marv to say hello or ask questions. Colleagues and patients alike speak of Marv with admiration and gratitude.

A legacy of service

As MPD, Marv has overseen response to countless emergencies, from everyday accidents to large-scale disasters. His calm, decisive leadership has been a reassuring presence in times of crisis, and his expertise has undoubtedly saved countless lives.
Beyond Whatcom County, Marv has been an influential figure on the national stage. He has served on various committees and boards dedicated to advancing emergency medical care, contributing so much to the EMS community that it would take numerous pages to document.

Even as retirement approached, Marv remained an active and vital force in the EMS community. While many in his position might consider stepping back, Marv did not slow down, responding to calls until his last days on the job.
He will continue to be deeply involved in the ongoing evolution of emergency medical care here in Whatcom County and around the world.

Marv’s career is a testament to his remarkable dedication and impact on the field of EMS. Over the years, his exceptional contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Heroes of Emergency Medicine and Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Ski Patrol. These honors are not just awards – they are a reflection of his unwavering commitment to saving lives and advancing the medical profession, inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps.

I am proud to call him one of my mentors and a friend.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steven Cohen is the Whatcom County EMS training specialist. He has over 40 years in EMS and is also a podcaster and travel advisor.