James S. Garside

James S. Garside

Police Officer/Paramedic
Suffolk County Police Department
Huntington, NY
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.

Where's my patient? Improving Response Times with Wayfinding Aids (Thursday, October 22, 2026 - 4:00-5:15pm)

Does your response area include trails, parks, or other large outdoor spaces? If a person becomes sick or injured, how easy (or difficult) is it for them to report their location to 911 so you can respond effectively? This was the challenge faced by Police Officer/Paramedic James Garside while responding to hikers needing EMS assistance on a state park trail. Learn how he solved this problem using navigation technology and how these tools can benefit you and your patients. Participants will learn how to identify locations within their response areas, such as trails, parks, and open spaces, where locating patients can be challenging. The session will explore the importance of coordinating with police, fire, EMS, and other public safety stakeholders across local and state levels to develop effective location marker projects. Attendees will also learn how implementing a marker system can improve location reporting, enhance communication, and allow public safety responders to reach patients more efficiently.