Dr. Norman McSwain was an internationally renowned trauma surgeon.  He transformed the treatment of the severely injured and the education of first responders and doctors that work in trauma and emergencies.   Dr. McSwain was on the Tulane University faculty from 1977 until his death in 2015.  He also served as the trauma director and a member of the teaching staff at Charity Hospital.  Dr. McSwain was instrumental in the development of an EMS system in New Orleans.  He also served as Jazz Fest’s consulting medical director for 30 years, supervising a crew of doctors, nurses and emergency medical technicians.  He was also the author of many texts and medical articles.  He received many international, national and local awards for his accomplishments, including awards for outstanding accomplishments in trauma presented by the American College of Surgeons. The Advanced Trauma Life Support and Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support programs were created due to his work and have since been used to train people in 45 different countries.

“His commitment to improving the care of the injured patient saved countless lives and improved the quality of life of untold millions of people.” – Dr. Lee Hamm, Dean, School of Medicine. -- Remembering trauma surgeon Dr. Norman McSwain.  New Wave, July 29, 2015

Rudolph Matas Library. PR File. McSwain, Norman E. (Bio.)