Focuses on the development of the emergency medical specialty from the post World War II period to the early 1990s. In addition to chronicling the times and events of the genesis of emergency medicine, the book incorporates the oral history of the field from more than forty five interviews with the founders of emergency medicine. Represents the first comprehensive history of emergency medicine as a specialty. Provides first-hand oral histories from more than 45 of the key figures who witnessed and helped to shape the developments chronicled in the book. Offers keen insights into how the sociopolitical changes of the 1950s through 1970s influenced public health, health care delivery, and emergency medicine. Includes many unique photographs of important leaders in emergency medicine.