Louisiana’s First Paramedic Passes at 74

Floyd George “Timmy” Chauvin, the first paramedic in Louisiana and 242nd NREMT-P in the nation, died on June 16 at age 74.

Born in Houma, Chauvin served as a medic for many years for New Orleans’ Charity Hospital and taught at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He presented the original blueprint for EMS in New Orleans to the city council, an online obituary notes, leading some to call him the father of New Orleans EMS. He was also the first paramedic to teach paramedicine in Louisiana. 

"Floyd was committed to helping those who couldn’t help themselves," recalls Ken Bouvier, NREMT-P, deputy chief of operations for New Orleans EMS. "I had the opportunity to work side by side with Floyd in the 1970s when I was young in my EMS career. What I remember most about him was the smile on his face when he was sharing his knowledge with new EMTs and paramedics. Floyd help set the course and direction for Louisiana EMS."

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at Samart Funeral Home of Houma–West Park, then followed by a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Red Cross.

For more: Samart Funeral Home, Legacy.com.