SEATTLE — Dr. Michael Copass instilled a high standard of care in thousands of doctors, nurses and paramedics across the Northwest, urging colleagues to care for each patient "like you would your own grandmother," according to a speaker at his memorial service.
The esteemed medical pioneer died this summer at the age of 86, and thousands gathered Tuesday night for his memorial service at the Museum of Flight.
Copass served as the Director of Emergency Services at Harborview Medical Center for three and a half decades and also founded Airlift Northwest, which boosted access to emergency care for people in rural communities across the region.
Throughout Copass' career in emergency medicine, not only did he save countless lives, but he also helped guide and train generations of paramedics and healthcare workers. He co-founded the Medic One program, which trained firefighters to become paramedics in King County. Before this program, there were no paramedics in the county, according to Medic One.
"When you had those tough runs in the middle of the night and you didn't know what you were looking at, you could call him up on the phone," said Bryan Smith of the Seattle Fire Department. "He was incredible."
Copass was described by his peers as an incredibly hard worker who loved his family and friends. One speaker at the ceremony said, "he inspired fierce loyalty."
Smith also said, "Had I not trained under him, I don't know that I'd be here today. He was that influential."
His widespread influence was evident at his vastly-attended memorial service at the Museum of Flight.
Smith's family is a walking testament to his impact: his stepmom Karen Smith was the first female paramedic with the City of Seattle, he said. His father, Rick Smith, was in the fourth class of Medic One.
"We all were certified paramedics under him, trained under him," said Smith. "Incredible man."
But even after his death, Copass’ legacy continues, including in students of the world-renowned paramedic program he created, such as students like Christina Dale.
"Oh, my goodness, this-- this program's been a lifelong dream," said Dale. "A program that will forever be known for its excellence.’”
She said she looks forward to "[being] there for the people that call us when they’re having their worst days."
She added, "We can be there with compassion and knowledge."
Smith said he would always feel lucky to have received training under Copass.
"You'll have those times where you're wondering what you should do, and sometimes you feel him sittin’ on your shoulder," said Smith.