Frank's Bio

 Frank Poliafico began his emergency services career as a volunteer fireman and ambulance attendant in his home town of Chester, PA. A ‘71 graduate of Widener University College of Nursing, he worked several years as an ER staff nurse at nearby Crozer-Chester Medical Center; later, was the ER manager at Philadelphia’s Jefferson University Hospital. 

A recognized leader in Emergency Medical Services System development, he directed the establishment of the EMS program in Delaware County, PA; was the first Chief of EMS in Chester, PA; and was also instrumental in statewide EMS initiatives throughout Pennsylvania.  Frank helped pioneer the development of educational programs – locally and nationally – for EMTs, Paramedics and ER Nurses.  From 1977-80 he also served as Director of EMS for New York City where his many accomplishments included creating the NYC EMS Academy and the categorization of NYC’s 77 Emergency Departments.

Since 1980, Frank’s private training and consulting firm, Emergency Training Xcellence, Inc. (ETX) has been applying the advances of EMS Systems to the needs of industry and government agencies on land, at sea, in the sky and on the rails.  His creative and widely acclaimed initial emergency care and health promotion training programs include: Medical Care at Sea; Emergency First Care; Physician Office Medical Emergencies; the 2^nd Chance @ Life AED program; Emergency Care In-Flight; The EESSY Way to Health & Safety and Drinking Alcohol? Just Say KNOW.  Frank and his staff have conducted these programs throughout the US and in over 18 countries for companies and agencies such as: Sun Oil, Dupont, Amtrak, United Airlines, MTL Shipping, the PA Medical Society, Royal Jordanian Airlines, the FBI, and the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. 

Poliafico is a founding member of several leading professional associations and organizations: the Emergency Nurses Association (where he served on the first board of directors), the American Trauma Society, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the National EMS Educators Association, and the PA Emergency Health Services Council (where he also served on the first board of directors).  He’s also a member of the World Association for Emergency and Disaster Medicine, National Safety Council (Marine Section) and the National Nurses in Business Association (NNBA).

Both the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Upland Fire Co. have honored Frank with Life Membership. In 1984 Widener University named him Outstanding Nursing Alumnus and has twice recognized him with its Alumni Service Award.  In 2002, the Columbus Memorial Association in his hometown of Delaware County, PA named him “Man of the Year” and in 2005 he received the prestigious “Living Legend Award” from the NNBA .

 A dynamic, entertaining and award-winning speaker, Frank is a frequent and popular presenter at state, national and international symposia and has appeared on many local and national radio and TV programs.  He authored the textbook Emergency First Care (Brady/Prentice Hall) and has published numerous articles and papers on safety, health and initial emergency medical care – including the establishment and operation of automated external defibrillator (AED) programs.  Frank is also an accomplished magician and member of the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA.  He regularly donates his magical talents at charitable and community events.

Frank currently serves as Executive Director of the nonprofit Initial Life Support Foundation, which assists initial emergency care instructors and EMS organizations/agencies in enhancing onsite emergency medical preparedness and helping to make the life saving technology of Automated External Defibrillators more widely available throughout each community.