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Dr. James J. Augustine:

Elevating Emergency

Medical Care in

Southwest Florida

By Heather McDermott

r. James J. Augustine, M.D., Chief Medical Director for the His leadership has had a lasting impact in Southwest Florida.
North Collier Fire District, brings an extraordinary breadth Upon joining the region, Dr. Augustine spearheaded the creation
Dof experience and expertise to the region’s emergency medical of a unified EMS medical protocol across Collier, Lee, Hendry, and
services. Known for his acumen in coordinating complex emergency Charlotte Counties. This coordination ensures that when a patient
response systems, he has devoted his career to improving patient calls 911 in any of these counties, they receive care guided by the same
outcomes and advancing the practice of pre-hospital care. high standards and procedures, a major professional achievement that
According to Jorge Aguilera, Deputy Chief of the North Collier benefits over one million residents of Southwest Florida.
Fire Control and Rescue District Medical Team, “The first thing “Doctor Augustine has been an incredible resource for North
you notice about Dr. Augustine isn’t just his remarkable professional Collier Fire and Rescue, particularly now as we begin medical
background, it’s his kindness, generosity, and genuine understanding. transport. His guidance, support, and mentorship has been incredibly
That approachable demeanor is the foundation of a career defined by valuable to all of our paramedics and the district,” states Chairman of
service, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives.” the Board of Fire Commissioners for the North Collier Fire Control
A highly skilled emergency physician, Dr. Augustine brings & Rescue District and Managing Partner at Woodward, Pires &
decades of mastery to his role, shaping the delivery of emergency Lombardo, P.A., Chris Lombardo.
medical care in Southwest Florida and far beyond. His experience During the COVID-19 pandemic, his position on a national level,
spans leadership positions as Medical Director for Fire-Rescue including work with the CDC, enabled Southwest Florida EMS
agencies in Atlanta, Georgia, including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta agencies to access accurate, real-time information often earlier than
International Airport Fire-Rescue Division, and Dayton, Ohio. He many major U.S. cities. This intelligence allowed local agencies to adapt
also serves as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of quickly, implement effective safety measures, and maintain the highest
Emergency Medicine at Wright State University. His past service quality care during a period of unprecedented challenge.
includes Assistant Fire Chief and Medical Director for the District of Beyond his own expertise, Dr. Augustine is supported by his wife,
Columbia Fire EMS Department, as well as First Chair of the Ohio Linda, a critical care flight nurse whose dedication mirrors his own.
EMS Board. Together, they represent a remarkable partnership committed
Nationally, Dr. Augustine is part of the EMS Eagles Global to advancing patient care and supporting those who serve
Alliance, often referred to as the “Gathering of Eagles”, who are on the front lines.
a select group of the top 50 EMS medical directors in the world. Through his extensive training, unparalleled experience,
This elite coalition is responsible for the emergency medical service compassionate leadership, and visionary approach, Dr. Augustine
protocols that guide care for one-third of the U.S. population and continues to strengthen Southwest Florida’s emergency medical
millions of people worldwide. Within this influential network, Dr. systems, ensuring that residents receive the highest level of care
Augustine is recognized not only as a leader but as an innovator whose when it matters most.
decisions shape the future of emergency medicine. .

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