Southern Marin Emergency Medical Paramedic System (SMEMPS) was established in October 1980 to better serve the emergency medical service (EMS) needs of residents and visitors in southern Marin County. Before 1980, EMS was provided by firefighters certified as Emergency Medical Technicians, and patients who needed hospital transport relied on private ambulance services.
Recognizing that a more efficient and reliable system was both necessary and possible, local jurisdictions joined together to form a Joint Powers Authority to provide paramedic service to the communities.
Today the Authority is overseen by a Board of Directors representing its three member agencies: the Tiburon Fire Protection District, the Southern Marin Fire Protection District, and the County of Marin. The Board's work is guided by recommendations from the fire chiefs of the member agencies.
SMEMPS personnel treat an average of 2,650 patients each year and have saved hundreds of lives over more than 45 years of service. Medical oversight is provided by a physician Medical Director, a Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator, and a Fire Battalion Chief Specialist.