David Jones, founder of Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), leaves behind a legacy of life-saving innovation and community care that transformed emergency response in Arkansas.

David was more than a visionary—he was a catalyst for change. In the early 1980s, when emergency medical services in Little Rock were fragmented and under-resourced, David stepped forward with a bold idea: to unify and professionalize ambulance services under a single public utility. His leadership led to the creation of MEMS in 1984.

His impact was profound and personal. Before MEMS, survival rates for trauma victims in urban areas were shockingly low—worse than those in combat zones like Vietnam. Jones refused to accept that reality. He championed a system that prioritized patient care, rapid response, and community trust. Today, MEMS serves over 400,000 residents across 1,800 square miles with a team of over 400 professionals—a testament to the EMS service he helped build.

David was a member of the Arkansas Emergency Medical Foundation, MEMS’ non-profit arm that supports MEMS, its personnel, their families, and EMS services in Arkansas. The loss of our dear friend, supporter, and mentor is deeply felt. We honor his legacy which lives on in every life saved, every EMT trained, and every community served.

But as David would say, don’t cry because it’s over, rather smile because it happened.