The Little-Known History of the First Black Male Paramedic in East Chicago, Indiana

In 1979 Mr. James Caruthers became the first male black paramedic for the city of East Chicago EMS. Mr. Caruthers received his paramedic training from Methodist Hospital in Gary, Indiana. The Region’s first accredited program, Methodist Hospitals Paramedic Education Program has successfully trained more than 1,000 paramedics.

Mr. James Caruthers was the founder of Prompt Ambulance Service, the first Black owned ambulance service in northwest Indiana. He retired as a paramedic in 2010.

At age 91 Mr. Caruthers is still enjoying life at his business, Caruthers Auto Sales & Towing.