RENO — The president of REMSA (Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority), Patrick Smith, has announced that he is stepping down from his position due to health issues.

Jim Gubbels, REMSA’s Chief Administrative Officer and second in command at REMSA since 1995, has been named interim president by the non-profit organization’s board of directors. There were no other changes in the management, staff or direction of the organization.

“After discussions with my doctor and family, I have decided that I need to step down from my position at REMSA to tend to health issues,” Smith said. “However, I leave REMSA in excellent hands under Jim Gubbels’ leadership. Succession is not often thought about in most companies, but it has been an active part of all that I did, knowing that this day would someday come.”

Smith joined REMSA in 1989 and helped lead the organization to become one of the nation’s top-ranked Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems. During his tenure, the organization achieved numerous international and national EMS and medical dispatch achievements and accreditations, including being the only accredited medical dispatch center in Nevada. REMSA was also unique nationally in its simultaneous achievement of accreditation in critical care air transport, critical care ambulance transport and advanced life support ambulance services.

“It has been an honor and privilege to have taken REMSA from a struggling start-up company in 1989 to a world class organization today, 24 years later,” Smith said. “REMSA has accomplished many firsts in the industry, the nation and the state, and has led many significant improvements in service delivery.”

“We thank Patrick for his years of service to REMSA and to the people of the region," said Dick Barnard, chairman of the board of directors of REMSA. “His passion for excellence in patient care and improving the EMS service in northern Nevada has benefited every citizen in the communities that REMSA serves.

“The board has great confidence and trust in Jim Gubbels’ leadership,” Barnard continued. “He has been involved in every aspect of REMSA’s management and has long been the organization’s primary community liaison. He will continue to lead REMSA to focus on excellent patient care and community service.”