05/26/2026
Who do the paramedics call when they need a doctor’s guidance in the field? Ours call Dr. Thomas E. Charlton, Ohio EMS Medical Director of the Year!
Dr. Charlton has served as the Medical Director for the Springfield Township Fire Department in Cincinnati, Ohio, since 2016. At the time of his appointment, he was the Regional Medical Director of ER Physicians for the Mercy Health Care System in Cincinnati. He is currently employed by Optum Health.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Charlton has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in Emergency Medical Services and to the professional development of EMTs and Paramedics. What truly sets him apart from other medical directors is his personal investment in our personnel. He knows each EMT and Paramedic individually and makes himself available to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a mentor, advisor, and physician leader, his accessibility and genuine concern for our members are unmatched.
Dr. Chartlon has had a profound and lasting influence on every aspect of our EMS operations, including personnel selection and testing, quality assurance, protocol compliance, investigations, policy and procedure development, EMS equipment selection, ambulance specifications, coordination with regulatory agencies, budgeting, and strategic planning.
Dr. Charlton is deeply involved in the Springfield Township Fire Department’s EMS Training Division. He provides direction and oversight for Paramedic and EMT refresher courses as well as mandatory shift training, ensuring that continuing education is meaningful, effective, and accessible, while consistently maintaining the highest clinical standards.
Beyond our department, Dr. Charlton has served as a member of the Greater Cincinnati Academy of Medicine Protocol Committee for nine years and is currently the Chairman of the Tri-State Academy of Medicine Protocol Committee. He also serves on the Ohio CARES Board, along with several other State of Ohio EMS committees, allowing his expertise to positively influence EMS care well beyond our local jurisdiction.
Dr. Charlton also serves as the Medical Director for the Tri-State Peer Support Group. This organization has made significant strides in improving mental health resources for firefighters and EMS professionals throughout the region.
Dr. Charlton’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to EMS providers and the communities they serve exemplify the very best qualities of an EMS Medical Director.
Learn more about Dr. Charlton at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgkMzz05Gec
