Dr. Davidson is the organizing founder of the EMS Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and served as its chair from 1988-1993. Under his guidance, the IAFC gained recognition for its leadership in EMS through such projects as spearheading the national observance of EMS Week and starting annual IAFC-sponsored EMS conferences. Also during this time period, the IAFC was invited to appoint official representatives to other national EMS leadership organizations, including the American College of Emergency Physicians EMS Committee and the National Registry of EMTs.
Dr. Davidson served as an EMT paramedic, training officer and chief of emergency medical services for the Shreveport Fire Department (Louisiana). During his fire service and EMS tenure, Dr. Davidson was responsible for the design and development of Shreveport's EMS system, which included Louisiana's first professional fire service-based paramedic ambulance service, first responder defibrillation program and fire service EMS billing and membership programs.
Kelvin J. Cochran, current fire chief of Shreveport, remarked,
Dr. Ricky Davidson, while serving as Chief of EMS of the Shreveport Fire Department and chair of the EMS Section of the IAFC, had an impact on Emergency Medical Services that parallels the impact that Michael Jordan had on the NBA. His service and leadership not only made an impact on the industry, but established a legacy that is alive and well even today on the Shreveport Fire Department. Chief Davidson's retirement also impacted fire service EMS as did the retirement of Jordan affected the NBA. His absence was immediately felt, and there will never be another EMS leader like him.
Dr. Davidson also served in the development of the American Red Cross (ARC) AIDS and Infectious Disease Education for Public Safety Personnel and the ARC/Mosby First Aid Development Project. He testified before the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the IAFC, concerning OSHA's proposed rule on bloodborne pathogens. He participated in numerous DOT National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projects, including development of EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum and National Curriculum for Bystander Care. He has appeared on numerous local and national television programs and has had many articles published in various fire and emergency publications. He served on the educational advisory boards for Emergency Medical Services and Fire Engineering magazines. Most recently, Dr. Davidson served on the ARC Advisory Committee for First Aid and Safety.
After 20 years in the fire service, Dr. Davidson returned to school and received his M.D. degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He then completed his residency training in family medicine and since has practiced with the Willis-Knighton Physician Network and Louisiana Family Practice Associates. He also is an assistant professor of family medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center Department of Family Medicine. He continues his local EMS involvement by serving on the parish's community college EMT-Paramedic Advisory Committee and providing guest lectures for the training program.
Sponsored by Medtronic and presented by the IAFC EMS Section, the James O. Page award is presented to an individual who has played a key role in creating and/or promoting non-clinical innovation and achievements in fire service management. The award is named for the late James O. Page, who was a visionary and national leader in fire service EMS for more than three decades.
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