The rapid rise of The Larrey Society

Six months ago the name Dominique Jean Larrey was hardly known, other than by the paramedicine community. Today it is synonymous with a fast growing organisation which is set to have a key influence on the future shape of emergency medical services (EMS) now and into the 21^st century.

Larrey was the French military surgeon who battled his superiors in the army and politicians to introduce battlefield treatment during the 17^th century Napoleonic wars for both his own wounded but also the enemy. With tenacity and innovation he designed his own horse-drawn ‘flying ambulances’ and Mash-style hospitals; his achievements earned him international recognition by the medical establishment and the title ‘father’ of the modern day ambulance service.

The Larrey Society was formed in his footsteps as the first cross-sector EMS ‘think tank’ to give individuals of all ranks from the NHS, independent and voluntary sectors a voice to express their views and ideas to healthcare legislators and regulators for a service which is fit for purpose to meet the changing needs of patients in the future.