Columbus paramedic instructor dies of apparent heart attack

56-year-old found dead at training complex

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 7:15 PM

BY THEODORE DECKER

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

John Moore

A 34-year veteran of the Columbus Division of Fire died Monday afternoon at the division’s training complex from an apparent heart attack.

John Moore, 56, played a key role in the growth of the division’s emergency-medical services since joining in 1975, Battalion Chief David Whiting said.

Moore was one of three paramedic instructors who worked at the complex on S. Parsons Avenue in 24-hour shifts, Whiting said.

Because the instructors work around the clock, they have personal space while on duty that includes a bedroom, bathroom and living area.

A colleague who had seen Moore’s car parked on the lot but hadn’t seen him in a while went looking for him in that area. He found Moore dead about 4 p.m.

Moore was married and had two grown children.

He had just started as a paramedic instructor at the complex in January, but he’d played key roles in training for years, Whiting said.

“He’s been a paramedic forever,” Whiting said. “He’s been an instrumental person in the development of EMS in Columbus.

“I can’t imagine the number of people he’s touched in his career, internally in the division and externally who he’s worked on. He had a patient-care bedside (manner) that was unbelievable.”

Services are being finalized but are expected to be early next week.