Agenda 05/13/2025 Item # 4D (Proclamation: Dr. Robert B. Tober be bestowed the honor and title of EMS Medical Director Emeritus of Collier County, FL)PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Dr. Robert B. Tober has dedicated over four decades to advancing emergency medical
services (EMS) in Collier County, Florida, beginning with the establishment of the
county's advanced life support (ALS) ambulance system in 1979; and
WHEREAS, under Dr. Tober's visionary leadership, Collier County EMS has achieved one of the highest
cardiac arrest survival rates in the country, with a remarkable 37% hospital discharge after
return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), significantly surpassing the national average of
6-10%; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tober pioneered the "Pit Crew Concept" in 2005, a choreographed approach to cardiac
arrest management that has been adopted nationally and internationally, leading to
improved patient outcomes and recognition as a 2009 EMS 10 Innovator by the Journal of
Emergency Medical Services; and
WHEREAS, his implementation of a tiered medical care program has optimized the deployment of basic
and advanced life support resources, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of EMS
responses; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tober's dedication to EMS education is evident through his role on the University of
Miami's Governing Board on EMS Education and as a faculty member at the university's
medical school, as an affiliate faculty member of the American Heart Association, and as
President of the Florida College of Emergency Physicians, where he launched the
internationally recognized Code-Save-A-Heart and Code-Save-A-Brain programs; and
WHEREAS, his exemplary service has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Roy M.
Baker, M.D. Award from the Florida Medical Association, the Raymond H. Alexander,
M.D. EMS Medical Director of the Year Award from the Florida Department of Health,
and the Dr. Pascotto Golden Heart Award from the American Heart Association; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Tober's unwavering commitment to excellence in EMS has not only saved countless
lives but has also set a standard of care that serves as a model for communities nationwide.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida,
in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to the field of emergency medical services
and his lasting impact on the health and safety of our community, that
Dr. Robert B. Tober be bestowed the honor and title of
EMS Medical Director Emeritus of Collier County, Florida
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 13th Day of May 2025.
Board of County Commissioners
Collier County, Florida
Burt L. Saunders, Chairman
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