Instructor/Firefighter
Tailboard Training Solutions, LLC
Washington Court House, OH
James Garside began his EMS career in 1986 when he joined his local volunteer ambulance corps while still in high school, where he continues to serve today. His very first call as an EMT—a cardiac arrest—inspired him to pursue advanced life support. He became certified as an AEMT-3 (EMT-CC) in 1990 and earned his paramedic certification in 2022.
After seven years as a police officer, Garside combined his medical training with his law enforcement responsibilities. In 2000, he became one of the first officers in Suffolk County to carry Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment in his patrol vehicle. For more than three decades, he has responded to medical emergencies as an additional ALS resource, supporting local volunteer EMS agencies throughout the region.
In recognition of his exceptional service and commitment to prehospital care, Garside was named Suffolk County Regional EMS Council ALS Provider of the Year in 2000 and 2011 and received the New York State EMS Council ALS Provider of the Year Award in 2012.
