The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians joins the EMS community in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. David Persse, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, a distinguished emergency physician, public health leader, former National Registry Board Chair, and lifelong advocate for emergency medical services.
For decades, Dr. Persse dedicated his career to serving patients, supporting EMS Clinicians, and strengthening emergency response systems. A leader whose integrity earned the trust and respect of colleagues across EMS, healthcare, and public service, he left an indelible mark on the profession and the communities he served.
Dr. Persse began his career in EMS as a field paramedic and instructor in New York and New Jersey before earning his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completing his residency in Emergency Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Those early experiences shaped a career defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to improving patient care.
In 1996, Dr. Persse became Houston's EMS Medical Director and Public Health Authority, roles he would hold for nearly three decades. Throughout his tenure, he guided one of the nation's largest metropolitan areas through some of its most challenging moments, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. During times of crisis, he became a trusted voice for both healthcare Clinicians and the public, providing steady leadership and practical solutions when they were needed most.
Known for his innovative approach to emergency care, Dr. Persse championed new models of healthcare delivery, including Houston's groundbreaking Emergency Tele-Health and Navigation (ETHAN) program. His efforts helped demonstrate how EMS systems could improve patient outcomes while expanding access to appropriate care.
Dr. Persse's influence extended well beyond Houston. Through his work as an educator, mentor, researcher, and physician leader, he helped shape the future of EMS nationally. He served as a professor and leader within academic emergency medicine, sharing his knowledge and experience with generations of clinicians, physicians, and EMS Clinicians.
The National Registry benefited greatly from Dr. Persse's leadership and service as a member of the Board of Directors and as Board Chair. Throughout his time with the organization, he brought thoughtful guidance, clinical expertise, and a deep understanding of both medicine and prehospital care. Under his leadership, the organization strengthened examination security, helping protect the integrity of National Registry certification, and oversaw significant improvements to the National Registry's call center to better serve EMS Clinicians, educators, and stakeholders. His contributions helped advance the National Registry's mission to support the EMS profession through partnerships, research, and lifelong assessment of clinical competence.
In recognition of his exceptional career and lasting impact on EMS, Dr. Persse was honored with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians' Rocco V. Morando Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the profession's highest distinctions. The award reflected what many throughout EMS already knew: Dr. Persse's career was defined by service, leadership, innovation, and an enduring commitment to improving care for patients and communities.
Those who worked alongside Dr. Persse remember him not only for his accomplishments, but also for his humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to doing what was right for patients, communities, and the EMS profession. He earned the trust of colleagues and stakeholders through his honesty, sound judgment, and willingness to mentor others. He was a respected physician, a trusted advisor, and a tireless advocate for EMS Clinicians across the country.
"Dr. Persse exemplified the very best of our profession," said National Registry CEO Bill Seifarth. "He devoted his life to serving patients, strengthening EMS systems, and improving the health of the communities he served. Whether responding to disasters, advancing innovative approaches to care, or mentoring the next generation of EMS and healthcare leaders, his impact was profound and far-reaching. His contributions to the National Registry and the EMS community will continue to be felt for generations."
"Dr. Persse was a remarkable leader whose influence extended far beyond the organizations and communities he directly served," said National Registry Board Chair Dr. Scott Gilmore. "As Board Chair, he brought wisdom, perspective, and an unwavering commitment to advancing EMS and public health. Under his leadership, the National Registry strengthened examination security and enhanced customer service to better support EMS Clinicians nationwide. He earned the respect of everyone around him through his integrity, thoughtful leadership, and dedication to doing what was best for the profession. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our deepest gratitude for his service and our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues."
The National Registry extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Persse's family, friends, colleagues, and the many EMS Clinicians whose lives and careers were influenced by his leadership.
His legacy lives on in the systems he strengthened, the Clinicians he mentored, and the countless patients who benefited from his life's work.
About the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Guided by our mission to support the EMS profession through partnerships, research, and lifelong assessment of clinical competence, the National Registry was established in 1970 as a non-profit organization and serves as the Nation’s Emergency Medical Services certification organization. It is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. The National Registry maintains NCCA accreditation for each of the four certification programs: Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR), Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (NRAEMT), and Paramedic (NRP). Credentialing protects the public, assures consumers that Clinicians have met standards of practice, advances the EMS profession, and establishes standards of professional knowledge, skills, and practice. Additional information is available at NREMT.org, and BlueSky, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, and YouTube.
Media Contact:
Kelly Schroeder
Manager of Integrated Content & Communications
kschroeder@nremt.org